Help, baby doesn't want to sleep in his cot!

At 2 years old, he no longer wants to sleep in his own bed. Lola, one of the community's moms, isn't the only one to write to the JOONE team about this problem. If you only knew how many of us are struggling. Help, my child refuses to sleep in his bed: we'll help you get the upper hand over your rebellious little ones.

“Here's our new bedtime routine: after several hours of negotiating to get him to go to sleep in his own bed (and a series of trips back and forth between bedroom and living room), he finally fell asleep in his own bed. But the truth is, at that point, my husband and I stopped claiming victory... Because for the past few months, when it's 1 or 2 in the morning, we've felt a mini pachyderm climb into our bed with a heavy step, and slide in between us after a few knees to the stomach. “Zé fait un caussemard”, he says every time...”

-Lola

Why won't he sleep in his own bed anymore?
 

Has anything changed at home recently? An external or internal change in your family life? If not, why not?

- Has he had a nightmare and is now afraid to fall asleep in his bed?

- Does he have night terrors?

- Is he currently ill (teething can be very painful)?

- Are your child's days hectic (which can cause irritation)?

Ask yourself all the questions related to your daily life, even the most trivial ones, because there are no stupid questions. This will help you to direct your thoughts in the right direction and perhaps find the answer. If you need advice, your paediatrician will certainly be able to help you.

Thoughtful solutions for parents at the end of their tether
 

You've run out of ways to get your baby to sleep in his own bed. And you've even given in and let doudou join you in bed. And you're not the only one, that's for sure. Don't blame yourself. But have you tried these solutions?

- Staying with him a few nights to help him reclaim his environment, his own room,

- Spend a little time with him every night in his room, reassuring him until he returns to Morpheus' arms,

- Choose a fun nightlight with him and leave it on at night,

- Leave the bedroom door ajar and reassure him that you're close by and nothing can happen,

• Tell him about your day, make jokes, talk about something funny to make him feel good.

Nightmares wake him up
 

Take him back to his room and spend some time with him to comfort him. You can stay until he falls asleep if you feel the situation is likely to last.

How long does it take to get him to sleep in his room?
 

That depends on the child and his or her adjustment time. Things may take a while to get back on track. But don't let that scare you into thinking you can't find the right solutions. It's not easy to find the answer the first time (or if you do, we'd love to hear about it - it can be a big hit in the world of sleep-deprived parents). And if the routine finally works and then slips again, don't worry. No two days are alike, and events can disrupt the ritual. Illness, teething troubles, a new teacher at school. It doesn't take much to confuse a young child. Don't panic, just talk to him once more. It will do him a world of good. And once the change has been digested, things will get back on track.

Fatigue overwhelms me
 

“All attempts to get back into his bed ended up in nocturnal fits of nerves... and after nights and nights lost, we gave in. So that's how we ended up sleeping with 3 of us, almost half the time... With her kicks in the ribs, her little fingers in our eyes, the lack of space, but above all the lack of intimacy with my man...”

"If you feel you can't solve the problem yourself, don't worry. Childcare professionals are there to help, and there's no shame in it. Pediatricians and psychologists are there to support you and work with you to find solutions. Depending on what's going on at night - recurring nightmares, screaming - a follow-up program can be set up to help the family get back to sleep. Above all, never refuse a helping hand: child specialists are there for you. Perhaps you have a PMI near you? If your child is in a crèche, you should know that you can ask to meet the psychologist. He or she can help you and meet with you to talk things over.

Sources :

enfant-encyclopedie.com

Ameli.fr