28 Month Old Not Sleeping Thru the Night.

I would encourage you to exercise patience and gentleness with the situation, especially since you have a newborn that just entered your family. I have 3 kids and there has not been a one of them yet (I'm still waiting to see about my 19 month old --last night we were up 3 times ):) who didn't require some help getting to sleep at night and comfort at least twice during the night until age 2 or beyond. My 6 yr old sleeps soundly every night for 10-11 hours even though she was a horrible sleeper until age 2. My 3 yr old usually sleeps a solid 10 hrs, but still gets up at least 1 time during the night a few times a month. Any changes or stresses in the family, just make that night waking more frequent. Before you just shut the door and let the little guy cry in isolation, please read these articles:http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/fussy-baby/science-says-... and http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/fussy-baby/31-ways-get-y.... I empathize with you for my last 2 children are 20 months apart and my husband and I were getting up with both numerous times during the night for the first 4-5 months when our youngest was a newborn/infant. It's hard, but it's just part of parenting. Parenting is a VERY difficult, 24/7 responsibility. Your reward in attending to your kids needs day AND night may be secure, independent, socially appropriate children and later adults. That would be reward enough for the effort, I think. Nurse Midwife Mom of 3

You're going to have to play Mean Momma.

Every time he comes out, take him and put him back into bed. No talking, no night lights, no arguing. Just silently put him back and walk out. Show no reaction to him other than making him stay in bed.

You or daddy might have to stand guard and keep putting him back in, and it might get worse before it gets better, but he'll get the point quickly if you are consistent.

i don't think you should be mean mama. he's been your world and all of a sudden, he has a little baby taking away his mommy's attention! you're going to have to be firm but be sure to also show compassion and explain to him in a way that he'll understand that you still love him and you knwo it's difficult for him with the transition but he's a big boy so he needs to stay in bed. have him help out with the baby too however he can. good luck!

I agree with Christy P. It's the only way to really change this habit he is developing. Don't think of it as being mean - what you are doing is in his best interest. He needs that quality sleep and to re-learn how to achieve a good night's sleep. Otherwise he is getting more overtired with each day and complicating the problem further. He needs to learn that he is not getting a reaction from you at night - you're not being mean, just not giving him night time attention because he doesn't need it. You can give him all the love and kindness in the morning :)