17 month Wanting to play at 11 pm

[melito]

Hello, for the last month our DD wakes at 11 pm after 3.5 hrs sleep, cries till someone gets in (usually 5 minutes) and then wants to play. We assure her, tell her it's sleep time and leave the room. The problem is that when we get back to the room, she doesn't settle till allowed to sit up in her cot. We try to put her to lie down and talk to her, sooth her, but she cries till sick. When she sits up all is fine. If we leave the room while she is sitting in her cot she cries till someone there. She can not be consoled while lying down and can not be left if she is sitting up. What we did was stayed with her in her room (lying on a single bed next to her) but ignored the games. This normally takes 3 hours! During the day she naps 2 hours after lunch and we wake her at 7 am. We are all very tired. Please advise! Any tips much appreciated. Best regards, Mel

[Colin Macs Mom]

Hi Mel, sorry you don't have any responses yet.
Have you tried WI/WO?

[becky1969]

Can you give me a bit more info on the routine?  She wakes at 7, but what time is nap? After lunch, does that mean 1 pm? 12:30?  And then bedtime is 7:30, right?

That is a very odd waking time.  An OT waking usually won't occur then.  My guess is that she may be getting some canines in and the discomfort is waking her at her first/second nighttime sleep transition.  The acting up not wanting to lay down is because she's uncomfortable -- maybe not in full blown PAIN, but just not feeling great.  So she wants you near and she doesn't want to lay down since that's what makes her feel worse.

I'd try giving some motrin before bed -- or if you're in the UK, give the long-acting anti-inflammatory you guys use! -- and see if that cuts out that 11 pm waking.  If she then wakes 6 hours after going to sleep, then you'll know it's pain causing the problem!


Canines are the WORST! They hurt my son more than the molars, and I've seen the same reaction in lots of toddlers.  The problem with the canines is they are very very sharp so start bugging the kids long before they show up.  So even if you don't see signs of teeth I'd still try the medication and see if that doesn't change the waking pattern!