how to get a 19month old to sleep in his cot in the day

[JacobM]

Would be great to get some advice as to how I can get my 19 month old son to sleep in his cot during the day. He goes down fine at night - but during the day - wow - screaming, crying, banging - everything -at whatever time i try (between 12 and 1) - and whatever method i try - it always ends up the same - with me giving up and then taking him out int he buggy to sleep. Which always works. I really don't want to have to keep doing that, but it is just getting so stressful. He goes to a childminder 2x a week and she has no problem putting him in the cot there - in fact, he goes down without a murmer and stays quiet for 2 hours...What do you think it is? we did get into a habit of him being in his buggy for his day nap - but surely, if he's fine in the night, he should be fine in the day in his cot?
would love some advice - I'm at my wits end now.
He is totally determined and very strong - so I can't even physically put him in the cot sometimes - and as soon as he's out of his room - however tired he seemed before I started the whole going to bed thing after lunch (yawning/ scratching end etc), - he perks up and is so lively, happy and playful (while I'm so grumpy!)
Am so grateful for any advice.
Thanks, x

[~*Nicole*~]

First of all, what is his daily routine? Wake up, bedtime, etc? Are you doing the same nap time as the sitter?

Honestly, though, it's probably that he has gotten used to the stroller with you. You give in and he likes that habit so he fights his nap to get what he wants. You'll probably have to do some hard work to break that habit. Some sleep training, like WI/WO.

[JacobM]

Thanks for your reply. He wakes up anywhere between 5.30 and 7.30am, although on average, 6.30am, and then bed by 7.30/8. if i'm out and about, he will fall asleep in his buggy anywhere between 12 and 1. The childminder puts him down after lunch - again, between 12 and 1. WE are thinking about getting a bed to put in his room and see if he will nap on that during the day? silly idea? WE used to do WI/WO with him and it really worked, but nothing is really working at the moment...Where can I find the best advice on WI/WO?
Thanks for getting back to me - I really appreciate it - I feel totally lost at the moment.
x

[jess, lukeys_mom]

A few thoughts - is he going through SA?  If I recall correctly ds1's worst SA was right about 19 months, I could literally not leave the room, in particular for naps. At day care (3x a week) he was completely fine going to sleep.  It manifests differently for every lo though, so just a thought?

My ds2 is slightly younger but also just in a phase where if he does not like something he will scream, kick, scratch etc. When this happens I learned my lesson from his brother not to fight it, but to start over.  So if it were a nap time, I think I would take him back out to the living room for a little while, 10 min or so, then start talking to him about sleepytime and take him into his room.  

By the way, ds2 is also going through SA atm and when I start leaving the room he will stand up and scream. Just about the second I walk out and close his door, he is 99% of the time quiet again. The other 1% is when we have to "reset".  I did WI/WO with his brother with great results too btw - I just usually don't have space for the consistency it requires during the day because his brother is home too.

[~*Nicole*~]

I believe there is some WI/WO info in the gen. sleep issues FAQ section and in the props FAQ section. You are essentially breaking the prop of the stroller for naps...so may want to check there for some ideas.

Routine wise, 5:30 is SUPER early for a LO who sometimes sleeps until 7:30. His inconsistent night may have something to do with it. He may sometimes be OT for nap or other times UT. You may want to do earlier bedtimes the days he wakes early, esp. if he refuses to nap or doesn't nap long. If he does 2 hours at nursery, any less means you should cut his last A a bit shorter. Try for a 12 hour day. If awake at 5:30...bedtime needs to be near 5:30, maybe 6pm the latest. He could be very overtired.