Sleep

[oliviaspencer]

i need help/guidance on sleep for my 2 year old. He’s never been an amazing sleeper but he’s never improved either. He goes to bed at 7:30 and can wake up between 2-5 times a night. He does still have one bottle of milk in the night which I’ve tried to stop however he just screams all night if he doesn’t get it. The other times are just for a ‘cuddle’ or just for me to sit there until he falls back asleep which can be up to an hour- hour 1/2. His nap is only for 1hr 1/2 in the day time so not like he’s sleeping to much. I just need some help for a sleep deprived mum over here! Thanks

[Vikki-Moderator Moderator]

Hi Olivia. The Early Childhood and Family Service can help with this. Visit norfolk.gov.uk/earlychildhood and click the green Request Support button. Thanks.

[Babypigeon Community Ambassador]

Hi does he have a milk bottle before he goes to bed at 7:30? Or is it just during the night?

It may be worth cutting the nap down to just an hour for a bit see how that goes and if no difference then maybe moving on to just a power nap (30min).

Are you able to rest/sleep during his nap time?

We haven't managed to get our girl to sleep before 8:30 it used to be 9:30 so it may be a thought to try for 8 instead but I would try the above options before changing as I would love ours to go bed earlier.

Also we do dance or ran around time an hour before to help tire her out.

[RachelModerator Moderator]

Hello oliviaspencer

There are a few things I can think of which may be useful re sleep. If you are able to call 0300 300 0123, we could go through it in a bit more detail.

But if not, there are a few things you could think about in the meantime.

It sounds like you are doing a great job and being really responsive to your son's needs but it does get exhausting over time.

If you haven't already tried the following, I would be thinking about...

What happens in the lead up to bedtime? For example,reduce any screen time after tea.

What happens/how does he fall asleep at the beginning of the night? Children will attempt to recreate this each time they wake (come to the end of one sleep cycle and enter the next.)

There are a few strategies which may be useful, if you access our Just One Nofolk website, we have the Solihul online guide, which includes suggestions for sleep.

justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/onlin...

Please call in for further support.

Best Wishes,

Rachel