[karkat]

Hi sleep guru's, we're having heaps of trouble for the last few nights with getting DD4 to go to sleep at night.

Basically we've always had the same bedtime routine and nothing's changed that I can see over the last month, except DD4 has gone from happily going to bed (she may chat or sing to herself for up to 30 min, but no tears) to now screaming, whingeing and generally carrying on. When DH or I ask her what the problem is she say's she's got a sore bottom, so we've put nappy rash cream on, no knickers etc but this makes no difference, she just keeps carrying on! She later says that she can't see, she has a night light.

Last week she was constantly getting out of bed (no crying) and we used sticker rewards to stay in bed, this worked for a few days, but now she just stays in bed and carries on!!

Last night this carrying on (I'm not saying crying cos there's no tears and it's basically a high pitched whine) went for 4 hours! It makes no difference if me or DH stays with her or not she just continues until she basically passes out, we need to get out of this ASAP as DD shares a room with her little sister and it's affecting her sleep too, DH works with heavy machinery so needs sleep, plus we've got a 12 week old baby, who thankfully is sleeping well, but I'm still getting up to feed twice a night.


What can I do to help DD get to sleep like she used to, we're all just getting so exhausted!!

Thanks

[KRT]

That sounds really hard. I don't know much about four year olds, but I do wonder whether she might have worms. It might not bother her during the day, but be enough to stop her from falling asleep easily at night.

The other thing could be that she's upset because of the new baby. It is a big change, after all. No idea what to do there!

I hope it improves for you soon.

[lady lady]

Hmmmmmm..... My DD (2.5) went through this recently ...

I think she worked out if she cries/ whinges someone comes - because when the baby (16 weeks) cries that's what happens....

Was a bit easier for us as they have seperate rooms, so we just gave DD#1, 3 gentle warnings then closed the door - all of a sudden it got old real quick and we are now back to normal (ish).

Just when I think DD#1 is A-Ok with the new baby something else seems to catch her attention and she tries a new little "trick".....

[meggs1]

Sounds like worms, if you put her to bed without pants then sneak in and look at her bottom with a torch you will see them (yuk) if that's the issue.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/threadworm-symptoms.html

[amabanana]

My thoughts were worms too. We had a similar experience to what you are describing and it was worms that were bothering her at night.

[karkat]

Thank you everyone! I just went and shined a torch and yep, worms, ew! At least now I know what's bothering her. Off to the chemist in the morning and a huge clean to follow.

[lady lady]

Nice work OP!!! Gotta love EB!! I've just learnt how to check for worms for future reference!!!

Hope you get some sleep now

[amabanana]

Thank you everyone! I just went and shined a torch and yep, worms, ew! At least now I know what's bothering her. Off to the chemist in the morning and a huge clean to follow.

Yay! (BUT EWWWW.)