in April 2023 Babies 🇬🇧

Takes forever to fall asleep unless on my lap

My son has just turned 2. At nursery and at his grandma's he falls asleep independently in around 10-15 mins. Sometimes an adult will sit with him, sometimes he doesn't need them in the room. At home its a totally different story. If I put him in his cot he takes over an hour to fall asleep, even if I'm sat next to him holding his hand / patting his bum / stroking his back. If I pick him up and sit with him on the armchair he falls asleep within 5 minutes. In his cot he isn't upset or crying, he just lies there with his eyes open, kicking his feet or faffing about with his teddy or blanket. He's just AWAKE. But I know he'll crash asleep if I pick him up. Why can he do it elsewhere but not at home?

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What would happen if you leave the room? I used to do this with my son but my partner read him a book, said his night nights and left the room and my son fell asleep within 5 mins and we’ve just luckily done that ever since! Xx

He's just used to fall asleep with you that way and it might take some time to break the habit.

@Charlotte I've tried it a few times but not recently. He stood up at the end of his cot calling for me and getting upset xx

In exactly the same position so know exactly how you feel. Haven't found a solution yet x

It just means he loves you and your his safe space, my 2 year old has always been like it will only sleep in the car or on my unless she literally crashes out on the floor. She’s going to nursery full time soon and I’m really regretting it already. I can see me reducing her hours by Xmas she starts in August 🤣

We had that issue last year. We ended up leaving the room, putting on the shusher and reassurance our daughter through the door if she cried. It worked and after a week or two she goes to sleep great by herself

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