17 Mos Old Likes to Party from 3Am-5am--exhausted Mom Needs Guidance!

My now 21 month old daughter did the same thing for a few months. Probably from about 16 months up until the last month or so maybe. Crying it out didn't work & neither did taking her to bed with us. We tried earlier bed times, later bed times and eliminating a nap and none of that worked. That was just when she woke up, no matter if we put her to bed at 6:30 or 8:30 or anything in between. We darkened her shades, used a white noise machine and changed the temperature in her room and those things didn't work for her either. I know this isn't helpful, but wanted you to know you're not alone. I hope you get some good suggestions, in case mine starts doing it again at some point! Hang in there!

Hi K.,

When my son was an infant he'd take a nap at 8 pm and wake up again for a long time. Sometimes up until 2 am. I was exhausted. So I put him on a full size bed next to me. I had him surrounded so he couldn't roll out. Not recommended these days due to SIDS anyway. But I would sleep/relax while he played next to me. Then he'd lie down and fall asleep. I'd awaken later to return to my bed. Maybe if you are able to put a bed next to her crib, you could lie down so that she could see that it's sleeping time. Maybe she'll lie down and fall asleep too. It might take a while due to the sleep pattern she's into. But you might be able to catch a few more winks of sleep. Maybe play some soft, soothing lullaby music?

Good luck,
: ) Maureen

In my experience, teething can cause just enough discomfort to interrupt sleep, but not always cause pain. The result? A very awake, fairly cheerful baby in the middle of the night. Last night my 5 month old did the wakeful, cheerful baby routine from 2:00 to 3:30 am. We co-sleep, so I nursed him, kept the lights off & closed my eyes. He played next to me, talked to himself, kicked off his blankets, touched my arm & face while I dosed off & on. Finally, @ 3:30 we nursed again & he was out for the rest of the night.

Perhaps you could bring her back to bed with you? At 17months SIDS isn't a concern. YOu may be able to dose off, & perhaps your presence in a quiet space may help her go back to sleep. If she's too squirmy for bedsharing, perhaps your partner & you could take turns waking up with her? EIther split the time (each take an hour) or alternate nights. Just remember - this too will pass!

Sounds like she wants to see you. Maybe try letting her sleep with you and see if she sleeps better. Maybe she is hungry.

Hi K..
What time does your LO go to bed? How long does she nap for?
I know once my LO got older I had to put her to bed a bit later (as she could now stay up longer) and cut her nap down. Does she nap over 2 - 2.5 hours?
I would do your best to ignore her behavior - if she just wants to play and is NOT upset - tell her it is still night time, to go to sleep and you'll see her in the morning and MEAN it.
Discipline is SO hard, and so is sleep deprivation.

Good luck to you!