how do I get my 18 month to sleep!?

Question

I am having a super hard time with my 18 month old. This is an issue that started 10 months ago and has been getting worse everyday. We now all sleep in the living room with a mattress on the floor because it's easier when my son wakes up at 2 am for 2-3 hours. He sleeps with me because he cries until he vomits, everytime. I know I am half of the problem. I let him fall asleep with a bottle while watching tv, I've gotten to tired of him screaming in the middle of the night till he throws up I just get up and watch a movie or quietly play during his midnight wake ups. I am at my wits end. I don't have the money for a sleep consultant but at this point I would sell my soul I am so desperate for a full nights sleep. I'm also 6 weeks pregnant, so rest is important. Please If you have any advise on how I should approach this, or your having trouble with your little one, share!

Answer

You have to get him on a routine. At this age he is stubborn and it will take 7 days to break his bad habits. You must not let him go to bed with a bottle and you must pep talk him about sleeping in his bed. He crys till he throws up because he is smart and know that will get you to respond. Babies and toddlers are very smart and know what will get the response they want.

Answer

I highly recommend this book it is very insightful about sleep training. It also explains how developmental changes effect the sleep of baby/toddlers. I am constantly referring back to it with my 16month old. He will be sleeping well for a couple of weeks and the hit a developmental milestone, it really helps to know what is disturbing his sleep and what I can do to help him sleep better. Sometimes is per stubbornness, sometimes it's separatation anxiety, other times he is experiencing new emotions which can be scary for him. It's really helpful to know what the cause of the sleep problem is and do activities during the day to address the problem. Normally within a couple of days with some sleep training and activities that address the issue is is back to sleeping like a champ. I will definitely work through this book again with baby #2 (currently 4 weeks preg)

Answer

I use to say to my kids you go to bed with a story or without a story and they always choose a story. That helped settle them into bed when they were young and usually the story puts them back to sleep. Televison stops the sleepy hormone in our brains so that's probably why your child finds it hard to fall back asleep. Hopefully something helps soon! You defo need your rest also good luck!

Answer

Do you have a night time routine for him? Dinner then bath then warm milk then story in bed etc...? I would just try keeping things as calm as possible. No TV, no distractions, dim lights and cuddles. You need your rest and so does your 18 month old. I know it's difficult but just try to stick to a relaxing routine. You could also do a lot of activities in the day so he's really tired by the evening. Is he crying because he's in pain or something? Maybe his tummy hurts? Or is he just restless? Hope he settles soon!

how do I get my 18 month to sleep!?

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