My 2 year old boy just won't settle down at night. I have tried everything from the night time bath to a "special night night mat" he can lay on in the living room. It seems since we pulled him away from the bottle (many months ago) he just won't settle down. He usually falls asleep around 9pm and sleeps until 6am. He has about a 2 or 2.5 hour nap at daycare. HELP! I have NO time for myself or my husband b/c he is up playing all night long
I've known several moms that had success with ideas from The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers by Elizabeth Pantley. She has some suggestions and excerpts on her website as well:
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/content/ncsstpsummary.htm
I'm a strong advocate for "Healthy sleep habits, Happy child" by Marc Weisbluth (sp?)
I'd suggest telling the daycare to wake him after 90 minutes of napping and putting him down to bed 15-30 minutes earlier. Lose the "night night mat" and keep putting him back in his bed if he gets up. (We sat outside our son's door for a few days, "encouraging" him to stay quiet and focus on sleep.)
Feel free to borrow my book or call for clarification. It worked wonders for all 3 of my very different children!
L.
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Mom to 3, Doula, Childbirth Educator
My daughter kinda did the same thing when we took her off her bottle. I now put a sippy cup of water and one of milk (just enough to statisfy her and not have left overs). I hear her take a few sips and shes off to sleep. it was such a struggle before and all she needs is just a little bit so I figure she will grow out of it very soon..she is already drinking less of the milk and more of the water so thats a great sign. For awhile my daugther also wanted me to stay in her room until she fell asleep and I wasnt going to do that...so I sat outside her door and when she cried I opened it and said see Im right here....everynight I just say ok mommy will be outside your door and she thinks thats where I am and we have had no more prob. in a very long time.
You know, i have my own troubles falling asleep, so I tend to empathize more when my kiddos just cant seem to wind down. I am sure that different things work for different folks, and there are so many doctors and books, each seeming to have their own take on child raising, so take this idea for what its worth :) After the bath, teeth, book and prayer routine, I have agreed to allow my children 2 books and a flashlight on their bed. This has encouraged them to wind down on their own, and they will fall asleep when they are tired, but if they truley are not, at least they are occupied and leaving you alone. I dont allow toys or more that 2 books, amd I have never used tv. I have even seen the toddler flashlights that will shut of on their own after a set time. It may help, or he may decide its too much fun, but it could be worth a shot. Good luck!!
Try the nuby gripper cup by luv n care. It has a soft nipple top.
