My daughter is 2 years old and I have struggled with getting her to bed at night forever. Sometimes we will go a month or 2 without a problem and then all of a sudden she wants to be rocked and talked to, but it could take 45 minutes for her to go to sleep (putting her down, she cries for a while, then go to console her, then try again.. Another thing is that she only wants mommy to put her night night. We have a bed time routine and I do stick to it, but some night are just very difficult and I am not sure why. I use to be able to put her down awake, but lately she wants rocked to sleep. She is still in her crib and hasn't showed any signs of wanting anything else. Any suggestions would be great !
One of the best books I've read out there on the subject is called, "The No-Cry Sleep Solution". It's written by Elizabeth Pantley and it has a lot of great ideas. There may be one specifically for toddlers. I also find that giving my children a lot (or at least a little more) one-on-one attention during the day, as well as making sure they're physically tired, really seems to help. Good luck!
try adding one thing to your routine - count down from 10 to 0 while rubbing her back, tell her that when you get to zero you leave. I have found this relaxes the kids so well and is a solid "I know when this is over" cue
My 3 yr old is the same way. she has a little sister who is 15 months and she sees that she get carried to bed at night so my 3 year old decided that she wants to be a baby again all of a sudden and cry's and through's a tantrum and says "no bed i'm a baby."
we're having this same exact problem w/ our 2 yr old son. i have no solution but only to tell you, you are NOT alone.
only thing that is different is that he is in a big boy bed, he didnt ask for it, we just kind of set it up, and he seemed to like it. but the bed or crib, nothing makes a difference at night.
