How do I stop my 2 1/2 yr old waking in the night, we put him back into to bed for up to 1hr everynight at 2am

Question

We have followed the rapid return and can do it for ages. He has also stopped going to bed as eaily as he used to we now have to read to him and he usually falls asleep after 1 story otherwise it's rapid return again for 30mins. Please HELP!!!!!!

He only naps 30 mins in day and goes to bed the same time following the same routine afiter his milk.

Answer 1

My little boy will soon be 3 and we just went through this same thing with him. First of all, you need to put him to bed at the same time every night. DO NOT lay down with him and read him a story. You need to just put him in his bed and tell him it's time to go to bed. If he gets up, just put him back in there. You just have to keep putting him back. The key is consitancy. DO NOT give in, not even once. Keep making him go back to his bed, wether he kicks and screams or not, and eventually he will know that it is time to go to bed and that he has to stay in there. This worked with my little boy and after a week, he was fully trained.

Answer 2

Do not let him sleep at all during the day, not even for 1/2 hour. My 8 year daughter (and last) used to wake in the night when she was about that age, and we tried everything. Try a night light, he could be afraid of the dark, leave a door open or close the door, or black out curtains if he already has a light, It is all very trial and error but do not let him have any kind of sleep during the day. Try giving him something else to eat before going to bed, so that he is full and contented, but keep at it, don't give in.

Answer 3

Its just a phase, he'll grow out of it. Hard as it seems just keep putting him back to bed and don't make a big deal out of it. Keep lights dim and voices quiet. If it continues, think about where his bed is, or how his room is. Something might be disturbing him. Is it nightmares, does he wake crying? You might need to speak to a doctor. But generally, its usually just a habit that has formed and you just need to break it. Try changing bedtime routine, move the bed, tell him if he sleeps through all night for a week he'll get a treat, etc.

All been tried and tested myself. Some things work, some don't. But being consistent and firm is always the best start! Just keep trying, its part of being a parent!!! (We've all been there!)


Mum of two and Nursery nurse ( and still doesnt get it right all the time!!!)

Answer 4

Our son did the same thing. Has there been a change in his diet? try to avoid foods that contain any sugars at least 4-5 hours before bed.. ie: most fruits have natural sugars. Try to give him a glass of warm milk before he lays down. (if he still naps) you might have to stop letting him nap. Try to take him outside and get him to burn off some energy about an hour before bed... then try to relax him right before bed like reading to him as you both lay down, a warm bath with lavender bubbles etc... I can't say if this will work because these are the things we tried and my son just would not stay asleep... he was a night owl. It never hurts to try anything though... Good Luck I hope you can find something that works

Answer 5

He's sleeping too much during the day. Do the math on how long he's actually sleeping. Put him down for a shorter nap during the day, and put him to bed later at night. Mine are up at 7am, down for a nap from 2-3, and in bed at 9:30. They sleep like rocks all night.

Tired kids sleep at night. They may wake up every once in a while, but if he's run out of fuel he'll sleep.

Speaking of fuel, NO SUGAR!!! And a light snack an hour before bed, that's it. If he's hyped on carbs and sugar he wouldn't be able to sleep, would you?

Answer 6

Try closing his door and make sure he has a night light. Give him a couple of toys to play with in bed and let him know that you expect him to stay in bed. He may play with the toys but has to stay in his bed. Make sure to reward him everynight that he does this. A special breakfast, watch his favorite movie, etc. Something easy that you can do the next morning. After awhile it will become a habit and he will not get up anymore. Good luck!!

Answer 7

Try napping earlier in the day, count every minute they are laying down to nap. You'd be surprised how long it really is. The earlier the nap, the easier to get them down. (I have found) Avoid the milk at bedtime. Full of sugar and your dentist or doctor should have warned you of the dangers to their teeth and tummy. My kids will also get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Try toilet training now! Sit him on the toilet when he comes to you in the night. If that's it, you may have found your child very easy to night train and you can start day training! Good Luck, and Try not to scold him! (Try nap before lunch or just after-11:30am ish)

Answer 8

my 2 yr old daughter had never slept through once since she was born. as a result i was shattered as u can imagine!! everytime she woke up all she wanted was a bottle of something to drink to comfort her back 2 sleep. so i got rid of all her bottles and only offered her water throughout the night when she woke up she didnt like drinking water so after 3 nights she slept through! and has done ever since ( the last three months)

Answer 9

Could try dropping the nap, don't tend to wake up if knackered.
Of at least drop it some days.

Answer 10

maybe he is not getting enough sleep in the day - my two year old has 2 hours in the day if he doesn't then he gets very overtired & clingy at bed time & is a nightmare.