Hello, Im not sure if I have asked for everyones advice on this before or not. My son is 2 1/2 years old he will be 3 in February. He is a very active young man, however I can not get him to sleep thru the night no matter what i do. There is always the benedryl method but i dont want to do that, plus he still doesnt sleep. He has tubes in his ears so i know that its not ear infections any more. I thought that might be part of the problem. Im so lost and Im wondering if i need to call the doc on this one. I would think by now i could get him to sleep all night. He goes to bed between 8:30 and 9pm most evenings there are some exceptions. I have a pattern and that is a bath and then some tv time or a little relaxed play with daddy since that is the only time we see him during the week. So besides Alex winding him self up we are windig him down the best we know how. Please if there is someone out there that went thru this and made it and somehow fixed it,please please let me know
thanks a million a head of time
M.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I have taken off his bottle last night and he slept from 9:30pm til 1am and then did his regular pattern, but instead of wanting more milk he wanted his back rub to put him back to sleep
Does he take a nap during the day?? If so, maybe you could wake him up sooner or cut out the nap. Sleeping through the night would benefit him and YOU and hubbie.
Does he get to play outside and with other children?? That is one surefire way to tire them out. Maybe take him to a gymnastics class - they make my daughter sleep well. I think my little gym is one that has several Atlanta locations.
Best of luck, good night! L.:-)
Hi M.,
Your problem is not unusual at all and nothing to worry about... but I know that it is unnerving to know your little one is up especially if you're not! I have a couple of thoughts mainly because I had a little one just like that. The first is that TV, albeit a "quiet" activity, is a stimulant. A story or relaxed play with Daddy is much better for your little one. Try it for a week or so and see if it makes a difference. If that doesnt work, you can look at what you are feeding him in the evening to see if something could be bothering him. Carbs like potatoes and macaroni can cause lethargy at first but because they are sugar can stimulate a few hours later. And if that is not the problem there are some safe relaxants that aren't like benedryl. (Benedryl is only an option if you are about to lose your mind, haha.) Valerian Root is safe for kids. It's an herb you can get at the health food store. I use one inparticular that is a high quality, inexpensive blend of several herbs that don't make you sleepy but help you relax, fall asleep and help you wake up energetic....if you want more information, let me know. My cell is ###-###-####. My youngest daughter and my HUSBAND use it regularly. Their minds race and I can't get them to stop thinking, or in my daughter's case--talking, long enough to relax. So it has worked effectively for my family.
I hope this info helps and I wish you well!
M. Howe
Before bed time if you give him a nice aroma bath, such as mint or lavender, and let him play in it for about 1/2 hour or so. I found very helpful in sleeping patterns. You could just try it and see if that will work for you. Good luck!------ M.
It would be hard to answer without knowing what happens when he wakes up. i.e. do you let him into your bed, etc... and does he fall asleep for the night on his own or is one of you with him until he nods off? No knowing these answers, I'd just say that he needs to fall asleep on his own, and when he wakes up he can't be "rewarded" in any way, such as being allowed in your bed... or you spending time with him in his room. Make it clear that it's not acceptable for him to be up in the night...keep putting him back to bed without much attention... maybe you can give rewards for him getting through the night... like a sticker per night and when he gets so many he gets a treat? Good luck.
I have a two year old and he will not sleep through the night and a 6 month old that does not sleep through the night. My 6 month old wakes up around 2:30 am, eats and goes back to sleep. I figure that is pretty normal. But, my two year old wakes up several times throughout the night. He is either crying for me or his father or he wants something to drink. Not sure what is going on, but needless to say I am sleep deprived. I have not slept through the night without waking up 2 or 3 times in over two years. So please let me know if you find a solution for your little one. I wanted to let you know you know you are not alone.
Hi.
I know this is a frustrating situation for you. I always recommend talking with your son's doctor. It can't hurt!
There are many books on the subject and a quick visit to the library may yield an armful of ammuntion for you!
As for my thoughts, when I find myself in the same situation, I try to remember that I, as the mom, set the tone for the house. So, I ask myself these questions:
1. What is my goal?
2. What am I willing to do/sacrifice in order to meet that goal?
3. Have I communicated this goal to my family members?
So, your goal is to have Alex sleep though the night. Is everyone on the same page? Are you willing to loose some sleep in the process in order to meet that goal?
Next, a plan must be made. First ask yourself these questions:
1. What is the bedtime routine?
2. Is it consistent?
3. Am I giving sleep "cues" to my son?
4. Am I consistent about bedtime "rules?"
5. Am I my child's "pillow?" (this means does Alex need you there in order to fall asleep? If so, then he'll need you there when he wakes up in the middle of the night!
FYI, we all wake up in the middle of the night but most of us have learned how to fall back asleep. Alex will always wake up, you just want him to go back to sleep on his own.
I think with a little information from some books, a discussion with your husband, and a firm plan you'll find success. Just don't give up!
Good luck!
S.
It's normal. Some babies sleep all through the night from the begining(although I've never met one in person), some don't until closer to 4. Everyone wakes up in the middle of the night even though we may not know it. Your son just seems to have trouble putting himself back to sleep. I wouldn't give him meds, he is way too young to rely on a sleeping aid. Sorry I don't have much advice but to say it's pretty normal.
My son started sleeping through the night when I shortened what put him back to sleep (for us nursing). It tooks weeks of shortening it just a little bit at a time, and letting him be more and more awake. This taught him how to fall asleep. Eventually, he learned he wouldn't get help from me until it was light outside.
Hey,
If he is taking naps, maybe you shoud cut those out. Also, instead of TV...try a book or 2.
I also, (for saftey sake) put a baby gate up to keep my son in his room, but I can still here him. Maybe this would discourage him from getting up.
Good Luck...
PS:
The Super Nanny says you never get out of bed. Tell them to go back to bed. Now, after the first 2 times of telling them w/out eye contact and with a firm voice...you take the child by the hand and put him in bed. Doesn't matter if you have to do it 20 times ~ WITHOUT TALKING! I saw her do it 17 times the other night. Who knows, I have tried her potty methods and my 3 year old still poops in a diaper! Thats a whole other blog!
Good luck
have a talk with the doctor to make sure that he is fine. if he is then be firm and patient by letting him sleep in his room after he woke up it is difficult for first time mom I know I went through it however after a while it will work out patience and persistance are the keys good luck
