Toddlers Who Can't Go to Sleep

My 18 month old does this from time to time with nap. Sometimes with bed time it might be more like 20- 30 minutes. He sleeps well and doesn't cry going to bed or when waking up. I think after my first one did the same I didn't worry this time. I think we are in the minority. I think it's a blessing.

My oldest is adopted and he didn't like to be rocked or held and then would talk to himself and play to fall asleep. I just attributed that to having not had that early bonding. (He bonded quickly, by the way). When the younger one had the same patterns I didn't worry. I think they are very comfortable with the routine and enjoy that time to calm down and my boys love listening to music as they fall asleep.

If he seems rested and happy during the day and not fussy at bed time I would be thankful as I've learned to be. Just don't tell your friends who may have fussy babies how easy he is. Enjoy!!

if he is not fussing or crying, way are you concerned. it takes me almost an hour to fall asleep every night. he may just be using this time to relax from his day. if it is not bothering him, dont let it bother you.

Try soft sound or music. My little ones needed noise to go to sleep. Or move his bedtime 30 minutes.

My question is...if he doesn't fuss, why is this an issue? What is the problem? As long as he stays in his bed, I wouldn't worry about it. He is learning to put himself to sleep. This is just the beginnings of him learning to do things himself.

It sounds like he's a perfect child. He can get himself to sleep which is great. Just like we all need alone time, and a de-stimulating time, so do kids. What a great way for him to self-soothe and give you a break. Speaking from someone herself who takes an hour to get to sleep, I think sometimes people who go to sleep "the second their head hits the pillow" find it strange when others can't do the same. If he's not fussing, then there's no problem.
Enjoy!

No advice to give, but I just wanted to mention that I just started reading The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pentley and it has already started working wonders for our little girl. There is a section for newborns, babies, and toddlers. There is also an edition specifically for Toddlers (or Pre-Schoolers?)

Try some relaxing scented bath like lavender, alos they make lavender scented pillows just for babies. its a calming relaxing scent n it makes em sleepy
ttys
M.

As long as he isn't fussing or crying, then I wouldn't worry about whether he falls asleep right away. He is probably just winding down. I know that with the time change this past weekend, my son is also having trouble getting settled for the last couple of nights. We keep an ear on him, and he mainly just sits in his crib and talks himself to sleep.

Ok! Try giving him a bath before bed, a warm glass of milk or a snack. Does he sleep in his own room? If not maybe he should. Is it noisy or quiet? He need a fan or some noise, or maybe it's too noisy. Is he in a crib still or no? If not, lay with until he gets to sleep. I have to do that a lot with my two year old who just moved into a bed or she will just keep getting out. Hope these work, plus if he doesn't fuss and he's in his own room, who cares! Leave him be.

Let him squirm. As long as he's not fussing, what's the problem? Some people just take longer to wind down. Our youngest son was the same way. He is 20 now and has always been a great sleeper. Relax, he's OK!

my little girl does the same thing sometimes. one night she'll go right to sleep and other nights she likes to play with her babies and talk or sing to herself. i just count my blessings that she'll stay in her bed with out fussing...so should you. maybe he's too wound up at bed time. maybe a relaxing bath and a nice bed time story and some soothing music might calm him down and help him unwind a little. if that doesn't work, maybe he needs to get good and tuckered out by playing good and hard for a while before bed. you jsut have to experiment to see what works best for you. but as long as he's not fussing and seems well rested in the morning, i wouldn't stress over it too much.

I had the same problem with my 2 1/2 year old. I stopped making him take a nap during the day; but your's is too young for that. Does he still take 2 naps during the day? If so, cut down to just one. Or shorten his afternoon nap. He might be being overstimulated; a bright nite-lite, a lot of decorations on the wall, music... He needs less stimulation or things to look at while he's trying to fall asleep. Get a lighter bulb with less wattage or move the nite lite so it's not so bright. Make sure he has no toys in his bed as well, maybe a lovey like a teddy or something. If he listens to music, turn it down or shorten the run time. Otherwise just let him be and put himself to sleep; unless he's disturbing a sibling.

E.
Maybe he needs a change of routine in the evening before bedtime..or maybe his nap time needs to be altered during the day. If he is having a nap say at 2 in the afternoon he may not be tired enough at bedtime.. my sone was a squirmer and he settled down when I changed him into cooler pj and a sheet instead of a blanket.. he prefered smooth fabric instead of soft fuzzy cloth.. to this day he hates fannel!! LOL but its likely that your son just needs a change in his routine..

Hello..my 5 year old is the same way since she has been takin naps at school...i have found that some soothing cds like lullabyes and instrumental music also helps, try that..hope it helps.
P.

I agree with the music, Thats what they do at my sons school and all of them are sound to sleep. Here at home my son is 4 and he sleeps in the bed with us, I know thats bad, but he playes with my hair to fall asleep. I am trying to get him into his bed but he just doesn't want to. Good luck J.

try playing a lullaby cd or tape or even something like mozart it worked for both mine. it gives them a calm relaxing feeling and in no time he'll be sound asleep

I'm sure everyone is sick of me bringing this up. But I'll throw it out there one more time...

It's very common for kids to have their sleep all mixed up around 18 months old. It's possible he's just manifesting the 18 month sleep regression. Which passes on it's own, promise.

http://moxie.blogs.com/askmoxie/2006/04/qa_18month_slee.html

Hope all goes well!
L.

Check out hylands.com when you get a chance. They are the makers of the all natural Hylands Quick Dissolve Teething Tablets. Look at the products for children and see the Calms Forte 4 Kids. It's homeopathic and very safe. I have a good friend who says it worked wonders for her little one. You can read up on it and see if it looks like something that would be right for your situation. Good luck!