Sleep aids?
Show your support
Hi! How old is she? My almost 3 year old is doing this and we have a 5 month old, so very similar. I think her birth kick-started a sleep regression over here. He was sleeping through and walking up occasionally and then when she got here he started walking up multiple times a night. We didn't mind being in there till he goes to sleep but it can take forever. So what we've focused on is shortening bed routine to give us a little time once both kiddos are asleep. Routine helps and we try to make sure our eldest gets special time with each of us at bedtime. I do snuggles on the couch with Little Daniel tiger (while I pump) while my husband feeds our infant. Then he does bathtime and I cuddle baby if she's still awake. Then I do book time while my husband stays with the baby on rough nights or gets some chores. Then he comes in and we both snuggle. I leave for Dad to read a last book, turn out the lights and snuggle to sleep. I do some chores and pump. Then we get us time before bed.
We do find that us not responding with words after lights out (or responding less,) helps. He will talk and talk and talk and I think some of it is delaying tactics. So us not carrying a conversation unless needed but offering physical comfort and snuggles helps decrease the length of bedtime.
My almosr 2.5 year old is going through a serious sleep regression. She learned to climb out of her crib and overnight went from sleeping fine to being inconsolable without company (but waking up the second we moved). She still goes back to sleep ok most times but it has been late nights
Hey! It’s totally normal for kids at this age to seek connection overnight and for wanting somebody there with them to fall asleep too! It’s hard though! Really focus on connection with her during the day, make sure she’s getting one on one time without any distractions on the lead up to bedtime! There are a few overnight strategies you can implement that are gentle and focus on connection too- feel free to give me a message!