Advice for a Sleepless Toddler (And Mommy!)

This is tough. I think at this age they often develop fears of the dark etc... and really just need you. My daughter did this. I would try to understand what she needed - you can try a night light, blanket etc. Eventually she was in a big girl bed, and I still (at 4) put her to bed and stay until she goes to sleep. I know -breaking all the rules, but she and I have that time to bond, and it's become our routine. She still will get up in the night to find me, but I figure she needs the comfort and so I enjoy that time as much as I can . Someday she won't want me there anymore. Just know that there is no right answer - just what works for you and her - good luck!

Hmmmm.....a few thoughts:
•Is she overly tired? maybe recently gave up napping? If so--earlier to bed might help.
•Do you have a good bedtime routine? Seems like getting her to bed isn't the issue though and keeping her there is the issue.
•Have you ever had music in her room all night? White noise?
•Why is she waking? Is there a noise (car doors, furnace, etc) at the same time each night?
•Have you tried the Supernanny technique of sitting in the room so she can see your profile and slowly moving to & eventually out the door over 45 mins or so?
•CIO can be heartbreaking but we did it when we were at wits end and were driving my son around the neighborhood 1-2-3 times per night to get him to fall asleep--big mistake! We should have done CIO sooner. You can go in and say something, rub her back...just don't pick her up!
•If you DO decide to try CIO, pick a date (weekend?) and COMMIT to 2-4 nights of extreme hellishness. If you start & stop again, you're teaching her to cry for you as the response.
•Is dad around? How does she react for him? Would that be easier for her?
It's hard, I know. Hope you're all sleeping better soon.

If you give in and let her sleep in your bed again, she will surely come to expect it even more. But then...I can think of worse things than cuddling with a sweet baby girl at night. :-)

" you can stay with mommy for a few minutes but then you have to get in your bed- okay"
try the "deal" sometimes it worked with my boys - okay 10 minutes then back to bed- you can take my pillow or my whatever with you if you want.