2.5 year old not sleeping, help!

[Anonymous]

DH and I have tried everything but DS seems to be going through a massive sleep regression. Started several months ago, thought maybe it was potty training and developmental phase plus daylight savings throwing us for a loop. Flash forward another month and he is still up multiple times a night starting around midnight. He goes back down fairly quickly but claims he is scared of the dark, is hungry, has to use the bathroom, wants to read books etc. We have tried everything, snack before bed, nightlights, sound machines, keeping the door open, scents on his pillow, getting him a clock and letting him know to stay in bed until its light out. Not sure what else we can do, he still wakes for good around 6 am and is not cranky or tired. He naps about an hour or so mid day and they do not drop naps at daycare until next year so doing that is not really an option. Appreciate any feedback or ideas from someone who has been through this!

[Anonymous]

That is brutal, I'm sorry OP. If he's not tired after all that I really don't know. All I have to offer is that when DD wakes up that often it is usually because she is cold. Could you try a different pajama/blanket/sleep sack?

[Anonymous]

Ugh sorry op I hate to report that for us this has gone on on and off from about this age and my child’s 4. I think they just become more aware of things like the dark etc and want a little check in. Ours has gone in waves so it’s not always like that and usually a paci and lovey make it better and he just goes back down. I just try to stay half asleep so I can go right back down too. As I said it’s ebbed and flowed and I noticed got worse the more pregnant I got with my second so I figure it’s a little about connection. You could try some focused 1:1 time before bed. 10 minutes at least, totally focused, no phone, whatever child wants to do.

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry OP. My same ish age kid is also potty training and we’re suffering through a massive sleep regression although thank goodness it is taking the form of a nap strike and delayed bedtime not messed up night sleep but it’s still massively exhausting and awful. Wishing you the best’