18 month SR here too - advice please

[K-JDA]

Hi all

So I see there are a few of us experiencing the 18 mth SR right now - it sucks!!

Ours is manifesting itself as nap refusal/late naps and short naps, some bedtime resistance but not really as he is so tired by then and then chronic EWs at 5ish with no chance of resettle.

Last 2 days were:

Monday
WU 5.15 (bed at 6.40)
Nap 1-2
Bed 6.30

Tuesday
WU 5
Nap 1.10-3.10
Bed 6.50

Prior to this we had a routine of
WU 5.45-6.15
Nap 12.15-2
Bed 7

I know the nap is late so think he is OT when he goes down? but the earliest he can have it at nursery is 12.30 (he is there full time 3 days and 2 half-days with pick up at 12.30 when he used to fall asleep in car but not even doing that at the moment). I am doing bed as early as I can given time home from work etc.

Just wondering if anyone has any routine advice? It is the clock change this weekend so am wondering if I can use that to help?

Also 2 canines are through and 2 on their way but DF meds make no difference unfortunately!

[HenaV]

Hi there!

You're right, it does suck. I remember it well and not fondly let me tell you.

My only advice is consistency is key. It will sound obvious but stick as closely to your LO's routine as he will allow, be firm and do not allow your self to become a prop (I did that with an IS - hell!!!). The OT makes things more frantic I agree but all you can do is manage that the best you can.

I was IME one of the most frustrating times but you cannot fix it. All you can do is manage it. You may wish to bring the nap earlier on non-nursery days as a means of catching up but I'd only do so by 15 -30mins or so max to ensure you can keep the routine generally consistent yk?

HTH

Hena

[K-JDA]

Thanks for the reassurance - you've just got to keep going!

My plan with the clock change was to have bedtime later to get a more reasonable WU time but not sure about the nap so bedtime 7.30 and WU hopefully 6 onwards and gradually move back to 7pm bed as things settle down and hope WU stays at 6ish - would I keep nap at 12.30/1 new time if he'll do it do you think or have it later?

The prop issue is a concern at the EW - have given up trying to resettle in crib but instead am picking up/holding in dark til 6 or just starting the day at 5.30ish because he just gets so mad if I try to keep him 'resting' in any way - could this perpetuate the EW do you think?

I was also wondering how to gauge when the SR is over and instead I just have some ST issues to sort? We are 3 weeks in at the moment but can't tell how much teeth are impacting ifswim?

Thanks!

[OsloMum]

Hi - sorry for just dropping in...
I have trubble with my soon 20months old DD and will do an own post about that soon.
I just briefly looked at some posts here and wondered about what an IS toddler is. And what is thsi 18months SR (sleep resistans?)?
I read the 3 main books, but don't remember reading about that...

[K-JDA]

Hi there

IS is independent sleeper and 18 month SR is sleep regression. Hope that helps! Definitely do a post as you will get some great advice here - been a life saver for me!

[HenaV]

Hi!

Withthe click change you need to push the nap later and potentially BT just for a few days to get your LO into the swing of things. That said, of you're tryin to manage OT you may have to adjust BT accordingly anyway.

Re: the ew. I Do think you risk becoming a prop and where he may SS won't because he knows mummy will come and give him cuddles. I had a similar thing but on the middle of the night. At first i really thought that there was something working with R as she'd never 'needed me ' in that way. She I finally cottoned on ton the fact I was being played (when she started the mummy I need you to stay routine, screaming like a banshee if I left  at bt) I knew I had to get tough and take control. Achieved with a firm approach, consitency re: her routine (even if she was not co-operating) and WiWO

Hth x

[K-JDA]

Thanks - u are right in the need to take control of the EWs. Difficult when he is teething as I end up caving and holding him in case he is in pain. Will see where the clock change gets us and take from there. Thanks for your help!

[HenaV]

No worries. If you suspect that he is in pain from teething, you could always try DM say around 3am. I know that it is painful to set an alarm for that time in the morning (BTDT!!) but at least then with an EW you can be fairly confident that he is not in pain and it may therefore help you to deal with the EW more effectively?

H