Sleep Problems - Billings, MT

My daughter who is 15 months old has gone through phases like this at her nap times. At first I would go in often like every ten minutes. But she knew I would be in a short amount of time. Then I would wait 20 minutes to go in the first time, then 30 minutes the second time, and then she would go to sleep after the second time. After only one day of doing it like this she no longer had difficulty going to sleep on her own initially. Hope that helps.

If she is usually a good sleeper, perhaps it is something physical, like her 2 year molars coming in or an ear infection or even an oncoming cold. Maybe it is even as simple as the pressure with all this cold weather we have been having. It doesn't hurt to just swing by the doctor if you are concerned and the problem isn't getting better. After all, all of you need your rest. If your doctor's officeis like mine, alot of times I just call the nurse's line, leaving a message with my concern(s) and they call back with suggestions before Ihave to step foot in the office.

Is it possible she has an ear infection? My son did the same thing, he acted fine during the day, but would not go to sleep! He would just cry and cry, he usually sleeps just fine. He finally ended up with a fever and I took him in and he had an ear infection in both ears(he had never had one before). I guess it hurts more when they lay down.

Good Luck!

Hi L.!

Sorry to hear about you and your daughter. It really sounds like she doesn't feel good. She's trying to go to sleep and something is preventing her from getting comfortable. It usually is an ear infection. Have you noticed any pulling or rubbing on her ears? Why they cause so many problem at night is because when you lay them down it increases the pressure in their ears. You can check out this link and look for other symptoms. Good luck and hope you both get some rest soon!

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T081600.asp

My first thought was teething too. Or somethings not right I would take her to the Dr. to see whats going on. Or give them a call at least. It could be growing pains too. Does she talk well? Can she tell you what hurts or why she's criing? If this were something that was an on going thing then you are going about it the right way to stop the sleepless nights. But like you said just the last four nights, somethings not right. Hope it gets better soon, for all of your sake.

It sounds to me like you are doing the right things by checking up on her every so often and trying not to bring her into your room anymore, but instead of 10 mins try 15, then try to make it a little longer every night. Or maybe calling to her to reassure her that you are still here and she is ok. I know its a tough job to have a little one suddenly start getting up in the middle of the night, but it kind of sounds to me like she is testing her boundaries again with you and trying to see what she can get away with. As long as its not night terrors, just keep doing what your doing and ask your wonderful hubby to take a turn once in a while too. Good Luck!

The above response is great advice. My daughter went through a phase like this, we just tried to create a rhythm to before bedtime, a nice bath with "unwind" aromatherapy, brush teeth, read a book before bed, a sippy with water in it, and it took some time, but it has helped her get to sleep, and stay asleep. I hope you find some help, not getting enough rest for you and your family makes days a lot harder. Blessings, and sleep well. :)
~M.

try setting youself up a 'bed' in her room to sleep in for a few nights.