Uncategorized

21 months and won’t sleep…help!

E is 21 months, he’s been quite a good sleeper until recently but now it’s a huge battle. Bedtime is tears and screaming followed by climbing out of bed and throwing things. If we can get him to sleep he is waking in the early hours and screaming until someone comforts him. I have no idea what to do..

I’m exhausted, and I’m sure he’s just pushing limits but I hate leaving him to cry. With bedtime now taking the entire evening (2hrs plus..) I need to come up with a way to deal with the problem!
In addition to the bed time routine we have tried a nightlight, warm milk, an extra blanket and even audiobooks. He will sleep if we’re holding him, but as soon as we move away or attempt to put him into his cot he wakes up and cries.

Any suggestions or tips for dealing with a toddler who is refusing to sleep?

2 Comments

  • lisanorfolk

    Leaving him to cry is the only option I found worked when I had this problem with my son Dylan, I left it til he was 3 until I decided that I could no longer stand the battles every night and walking round like a zombie everyday. The first 2-3 nights were horrendous but by night 4 there was barely a whimper and I was soooo relieved that I finally had evenings free again and relaxed. If bedtime is taking 2 hours now as things are then the letting him cry himself to sleep will be no worse. Honestly give it a go and stick to your guns even during the night.