Need Sleel Help

[boilermakermom]

I am cross posting in the Lounge Board as well.

DD is 2.5 and still doesn't sleep through the night.

History: She was a colicky/fussy baby. We had bouts of crying which would last as long as 7 hours when she was an infant; stopping around 8 months. We tried CIO when she was around 14 months, and she would get so upset after 10 minutes, she would actually vomit in her crib. From that point on, I have been putting her to sleep (for nap and bedtime) by laying on her floor until she falls asleep. After that I get up and leave, either to do housework, etc. or get in my own bed. She usually takes a 1 - 2.5 hr nap in the afternoon. I have tried making her nap shorter, or tiring her out in the afternoon evening in hopes that she will sleep all night long, but that seems to make the night worse.

She usually goes to sleep between 7:30 - 8:00 p.m. and wakes up anywhere from 1:00 - 3:00 a.m. depending on the night. I can usually go in her room and quickly lay down, and she'll fall right back asleep. At times she asks for juice and a snack, so we get up and get juice, read a book. We are up for about 45 - 50 minutes. For example, we have been awake since 3:00 a.m.

Lately, she either doesn't want to go back to sleep, or she'll wake up every 10 - 15 minutes. She wants me to tell her stories, sing a song, etc. I am exhausted and stressed. I do not have energy to do things during the day, and I am hesistant to commit to things (running with friends, outings, etc.) b/c I am afraid I will be too exhausted by the end of the day (which just sets me up for a bad night. I'm exhausted, and then she won't sleep, etc.)

She sleeps in a toddler bed, so she can get out of her bed if she wants. We took her binky away two weeks ago today. She does have a blanket that she carries around though.

I am at a loss for what to do. Should I try CIO again? How long do I let her cry? Do I go in and check on her every five minutes? Do I let her be? What do I do if she pukes? I can't figure out if it is a security issue..she needs me to fall asleep/stay asleep.

Maybe something is wrong with her and she isn't able to sleep through the night? Should I consult a sleep specialist?

Any advice/comments are greatly welcomed and appreciated!!!!!

[ray7694]

I think bad sleep habits can become normal very quickly and are hard to break. My dd is the same age and is always asking for a drink, blanket, pretty much anything she can think of to see me.

I would try to slowly cut back the time you go in. I would NOT turn on the lights and read or get snacks. I only offer water and sometimes I will leave a sippy cup in the bed with a tiny bit of water.

After you get rid of those things I would start staying in the room less time. Go in cover her up and then leave.

It is going to be hard just stick to it and it will get better.

Another thing to consider is naps. I find the longer my dd naps the harder she is to get to sleep. Good Luck

[boilermakermom]

Fantastic advice!! And great to know I am not the only one with a toddler not yet sleeping through the night!!!

I have thought about trying these things as well, but it brings me to the CIO issue. As I am cutting back time spent in the room, and I get up to leave, she is going to cry. So I do I leave, or stay? If I leave, how long do I stay gone?

I know numerous people who have had success with CIO when they are infants, but none as toddlers.

I tried to read Dr. Weissbluth's book, 'Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Children', but found it incredibly confusing.

[ray7694]

I think every child is different. I would do a few minutes at a time and go back and reassure/pat and leave. Don't stay long. Each night add time to it so you are staying out longer. Set the routine no snacks or books and keep doing it every night. She will catch on that you aren't going to cave and DONT

My favorite book is The Baby Whisperer solves your sleep problems. Maybe your library has it.