20 Months Sleeping Patterns

Have you ever considered putting her crib in the room WITH her big sister? It could be just that she would like to see someone in the room with her in order to feel safe/comfy. That would also build a huge bond as her big sister would feel like she's a protector from the monsters. You shouldn't think you're burdening your 6 year old either, she's simply sleeping and being company for the little one. If she wakes up and her sister is in the room with her, you may be able to simply put her bottle in her crib and if she wakes up for it, she'll see her big sister in the room with her and go back to sleep. It's worth a try.

Keep in mind that it may be teething or she may be going through a growth sput (learning a new trick or actually growing), but if you think it is neither of these, you may want to try some type of white noise in the 6 year olds room so the younger one can cry. I know alot of parents don't believe in letting children cry, but it worked for me. I have a 3 year old and a 5 month old and we are letting the 5 month old learn how to put herself to sleep so we use a white noise machine in the 3 year olds room and he does not here the crying (which is very disturbing to him). Hope this helps. Good luck.

My 2yo and 7yo have to share the SAME 10 x 10 room (VERY small house). I had to learn to let the baby cry and put the 7yo out on the couch, you could maybe close both doors and it will help with noise. I had the same problem until I decided we ALL needed sleep and the baby was going to sleep like the rest of us. I didn't get her out of bed. I went in and spoke to her so she knew I was around and then would stand in the room for a few minutes. when she quited down I would take a step, wait, step, wait, etc. out the door. (In their size room it only took a few minutes) She also had a sippy up of water, her blankets and a stuffed animal(not in crib, but on dresser next to crib) that she could play with if she chose. She is now a good sleeper (except if sick) and I don't get her out of bed unless there is a problem. A.

Hi M.,
Unfortunately, once you start taking a child out of bed, you've set up a bad habit that's not likely to have an easy solution. I never had my kids "cry it out." I would suggest that when she wakes up, you try to comfort her in her room. She may rebel at first if she is used to being taken into your bed, but I think this is your best solution. Try this on the weekend so if she does cry and wake the 6 year old, her sleep is not being disturbed on a school day. That said, kids often sleep soundly and your older girl may not wake up if her sister is crying.
Good luck

Dear M.,

You are going to have to let her cry it out. At this point it is just habit. I understand that you have a six year old so start on a Friday night. If your six year old is disturbed she can make up for her sleep on the weekend. If you do not stop this now she will continue waking and crying. Of course you should always check your child when they wake and cry, but once you see here is nothing wrong then just lay her back down and say night night. She is going to be mad but she will learn that there is no benefit of waking and sleep through the night. Good luck!!