20 Month Old Does Not Sleep Through the Night Very Restless

Babies are physiologically made to sleep in REM throughout the night in order for brain reparation. All day long they are bombarded with a million new sensations, pictures, words, motions, sounds, movements, etc etc etc etc. During naps they are so PHYSICALLY exhausted so they sleep in DEEP sleep. At night though, their brain puts their body in REM or light sleep. That is the only sleep in which their brains can repair, sort out new information and build new cells. Any noise, even their own breathing, can wake them from this. It's unfortunate but it is how they develop!

Also, babies are more comfortable with mom and or dad because during the day you give them comfort and reassurance. At night, alone in their crib, they don't get that which is why it is so difficult for them to get back to sleep after the inevitable waking.

What we have done is put a toddler bed with one side as a crib (so he can't roll out) pushed against the bed, so the open side is flush with our mattress. He sleeps there next to us. He still wakes and cries but it is so easy to console him and he's back in dream land in the blink of an eye!

Remember, it won't last forever and you're DEFINITELY not alone!

sounds like he is getting his 2 year molars in, give it time

It sounds to me like it could be food allergy or acid reflux. I had the same symptoms for 3 years with my daughter. I took her to so many pediatricians knowing something was wrong & they blew me off. Finally, we did an endoscopy & found out she had candida in her esophagus & acid reflux. Try putting your ear to your son's stomach in the middle of the night. If you hear a lot of gurgling then it may be a clue to follow.

The first reply below is a good one. Additionally, even though "nothing has changed in his environment," there is always the possibility that he has developed a food allergy or chemical sensitivity (from food colors or preservatives, or from laundry/cleaning products or air fresheners), both of which can appear at any time and both of which can cause physical and emotional upset. (I have severe chemical sensitivities, which can ruin my sleep for several days running if I get exposed to perfume or other toxins.)

You might keep track of what he's eaten or otherwise been exposed to to see whether a pattern is developing. Better yet, eliminate as many possible environmental and food challenges as possible and see if it helps.