Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Sleep

Join our Sleep forum for tips on creating a sleep routine for your baby or toddler. Need more advice on your childs development? Sign up to our Ages and Stages newsletter here.

Toddler sleep

1 reply

b12345678 · 19/11/2024 05:19

Hello. My toddler (turned 3 last month) has always been the worst sleeper.

As of recently it's getting worse and worse. A typical night for us is

7/7:30pm sleep.
Somewhere between 12-2 wakes up.
Wide awake until 4-6ish.
Sleeps until somewhere between 6-8 and he's up.

He's awake on average 4/5 hours in the middle of the night every night. He dropped his nap a year ago so it's not under tired.

I contacted the health visitor about a year ago who were completely useless tbh.

I'm considering trying again but just can't be bothered if there's no outcome?

He does show a handful of signs of people neurodiverse but mainly when he's tired. Eg, repeating phrases, severe tantrums, sensory seeking like hair pulling- but all of this is so heightened because he is so tired. If (by miracle) he doesn't wake for hours in the night all of these symptoms will subside.

I'm due my second in a couple of weeks and not sure how I can carry on being up in the night like this and it's affecting mine and my partners mental health.

Has anyone dealt with this before?

(Naturally we have tried everything, different bedtimes, supplements, ignoring in the night, porridge before bed etc)

Currently writing this in tears with a wide awake toddler who's been up since 12:30!

OP posts:
NuffSaidSam · 19/11/2024 16:58

I'd skip the HV and go straight to your GP. He made need medicating to help him sleep.

In the meantime, I would keep a food diary and see if you notice any correlations there. Ime this kind of night waking can be food influenced. Make sure his diet is as healthy as possible.

You shouldn't cut out big food groups without medial supervision, but it's fine to cut e.g. cheese/tomatoes/strawberries/garlic for a few days each to see if it makes any difference.

For now, concentrate on finding a way for you to get as much sleep as possible. Make his room safe so you can leave him in there without worrying. If a movie keeps him quiet so you can sleep, do that. Just maximise sleep.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page