Putting Toddler to Bed

Don't get too upset. You are doing everything right. When they reach new levels of understanding sometimes seperation anxiety happens. Hopefully it will pass soon.

This is normal ~ she's testing boundaries and seeking independence. These little ones love to test the waters every now and then to see if everything is where it was.

At the same time, she may have become fearful of the dark. I have a toddler, 3, who is a fearless wonder and she went from preferring a totally dark room to needing a nightlight and the door open a few inches with the hall light on. It did take a few nights of adjustment (playing, etc) but now that the novelty has worn off she just lays quietly in her bed, cuddling with her two duck blankets, and eventually falls asleep.

Good luck ~ I can relate to your frustration as it seems like once we finally get used to some sort of routine, a curve ball comes our way again :)

L.

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. I was wondering how long has this been going on? Does she have a pacifier she is growing out of and keeps losing? What do you think is waking her up? When kids get a little older they can go through a night terror stage where they cry out but really they are asleep. It can be frightening but a gentle and quick comfort is usually all it takes. Setting a routine was key to my boys being good sleepers.(they are teenagers now!) Good Luck-S.

Hi J.,

Well, you may or may not have anything going on. Maybe she has an ear infection? Maybe she is getting a tooth? Maybe she just doesn't want to leave mommy for the night, just yet anyway.

I think that as long as you know that there is no discomfort, what you are doing is fine. The trap many fall into is staying too long and then the child thinks that it is time to get up--but you're not doing that. Keep doing what you are doing, and if she continues, I'd check with your pediatrician at your next visit.

Good luck--at least she isn't doing this at 2 AM.

Good morning J.! I would try plugging in a nightlight of her choice and if you can find some soothing music for her to listen to until she falls deep asleep. We use to have our 6 yr old girl listen to classical music while she was going to bed after the routine of brushing the teeth and reading to her, etc. She also got to pick out her night light and was fine. It is worth a try. Let me know if it works.

My daughter is just about 2, and has been doing the same exact thing. She sleeps a good 11hrs or so at night, but lately if she wakes during the night, she cries and doesnt get herself settled down like she use to. I wondered myself why this change? I think they are just getting older and are more aware of things. I know my son around this age discovered shadows in the room that frightened him. So that could be one thing. I also think with my daughter that she is getting her 2yr molars, so it could be teething. I think you should continue what you are doing, and as long as you feel she isnt having any major issue causing this, it probally is behavioral, do the best you can. It may just pass sooner than you think. I think you methods of getting her to sleep and her nighttime routine are perfect!!! You are doing good!!
Best of Luck

J., Sounds like you are doing everything right! I'd take a wait and see approach. Two year olds are experiencing such tremendous growth in every area. Sleeping issues often crop up during this period, but tend to resolve themselves in time if parents remain consistent. There are so many reasons why your daughter could be having a more difficult transition into sleep right now- among them ,teething or growing pains, greater awareness in general and increased dreaming (also an ability to remember dreams), new fears - shadows, dark, and on and on...Again , keep to your routine, reassure her briefly that it's time to sleep, and she's safe- and you love her and will see her in the morning,etc. and then try to get some sleep yourself so you can enjoy all the wonders of parenting a two year old. L.

Hi,
I am curious to read the responses you have gotten, we are having a similar issue with our 2 year old! She has always been a good sleeper, goes right to bed no problem (also after a nice bedtime routine), but lately has been having issues. For my daughter, it seems that it's the diaper - she seems to be having more awareness of when she is wet - but only at night (maybe because there are no toys to distract her!). We change her diaper, and then she goes right down. But - she still needs that last change (even if that diaper is dry as a bone!).
I have stopped the sippy cup of milk at bedtime since that seemed to be contributing to the wet diaper, but it hasn't made much of a difference!
Good Luck!
Warmly,
E.

Hi J.,
Unfortunately if you want her to quiet down easier/quicker, you'll have to do the cry it out method. Going in 3 or 4 times is letting her know that if she cries enough or loud enough, that someone is going to go in to see her. Going in once after 5-10 minutes to soothe her and let her know everything is OK, is sufficient. Good luck and I hope it works out for you as I know I enjoy my evenings of quiet! :)