at the end of my tether!

[SusieQue]

We have had EW for we'll over a month now and I just don't know what to do. Our LO is 20MO and has been waking at around 5am for ages, in the last few days we've hit a new low of 4.45. He dozes sometimes until about 5.30 then just spends half an hour shouting until I get him up at 6. We did WIWO for a couple of days and he would just keep shouting. He's not distressed when he wakes but we left him for an hour the other morning and he just shouted the whole time. I just don't know if he's OR, UT - I'm out of ideas. He doesn't seem to have any teething issues. Here is his usual easy:

WU 5-5.30
Sleep 12 -2 or 2.30
Bt 7pm

we had some advice a few weeks ago that said to get him up at 5.30 then put down for a nap at 10.30, which we tried but he just wouldn't settle for his nap as he's been too used to the 12pm timing and having his lunch first. His previous routine (I vaguely remember!) Was 6.15 wu, 12.30-2 nap, 7pm bt.

Does anyone have any ideas? I just don't know what to do next and these ew are taking their toll!

[*Becky*]

have you tried an earlier BT? It does seem like OT unless he has always been low sleep needs? You could try a gro-clock, we started at 22 months and it was a life saver!!

[SusieQue]

Hi Becky, yes we did try early bt for a week but he still woke up at at the same time and wouldn't go back to sleep. She. He goes to bed at 7 he at least goes back to sleep for a little while! 

[*Becky*]

it's so rough, we have had EWings for most of M's life and it is so wearing! I would do as you are with not getting up until 6am and introduce the clock or lights on a timer. In terms of routine it might be worth seeing if he needs a shorter nap but otherwise it is a just a case of riding it out. It sucks!

[anna*]

Definitely introduce the Groclock. I know it is a pain listening to him shout but at least you are in bed and lying down! After a while he'll realise there's no point and maybe even go back to sleep. ((((hugs)))) EWs are the worst.