My 22Month Old Screams Hysterically When Put to Bed at Night

Updated on September 08, 2010
J.P. asks from Las Vegas, NV
5 answers

My son will be 2 in October and for the last few weeks, getting him to bed has been a nightmare! From the time he was born until we transitioned him to a toddler bed he has always been put in his crib awake with his special bear, blankie and his music playing. He would say nite nite and put himself to sleep. We moved him to a toddler bed when he was repeatedly climbing out of his crib. For the first few weeks, he did fine. We put him in the bed to sleep exactly the same way as we did in the crib and walked out. He now gets out of bed and comes to the bedroom door and screams hysterically under the door. My husband and I have to go back up hold him/rock him and put him back to bed at least 2-3 times before he will go to sleep. We never talk to him and have tried to let him cry, but he doesn't stop and ends up getting more worked up. It disrupts getting my daughter to bed as well. Bedtime used to be an easy routine with both kids and is now horrible every night. HELP and some suggestions, please! More personal experiences please that worked, rather than suggestions on books to buy. Thanks!!!!

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L.S.

answers from New London on

no more rocking and holding. I did this with my son when he tried this around this age (it was a test and I failed). I had to let him cry himself to sleep a couple of nights, but he got the hint. I would give him some milk. Then read a book. Brush his teeth. Read a book and then night night. Go back to a routine and that's it. He is testing you. We all go through it. They all do this to their parents. We can't fall for it each time. It is so hard... but if you give in then they have won the battle. You may need a gate at the door.

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Did it start abruptly? Perhaps he has an ear infection when he lays down his head and so he is scared to do so? But he probably would keep waking if that was the case.

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S.X.

answers from Chicago on

well as soon as you figure that out it will be "i'm hungry" "i'm thirsty" "i need to pee"...
i heard using a crib tent on toddler beds makes them feel more snug and safe.

B.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi J.
I have a three year old and boy is he clever.At this stage at bedtime he objects for about 30 seconds and the wrath of Mummy occurs.I will not take the nonsence,up to bed,brush teeth,story time and sleep.Be strict ,strong and calm for a few nights until he realises whos boss.Then you can go back to strong but nice Mommy again.Children are amazing and will rule the house given half a chance.
Good Luck
B.

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