middle of the night wake ups

bethLenell

Hey ladies I posted a little while back about my DD not going to bed for us and I wanted to let you know that locking her in her room (though it feels awful still) is working great and she didn't even try to open the door last night! 

The only issue I'm still having is when she wakes up in the middle of the night and wants in our room. I don't feel comfortable locking her in her room at that point because we won't be able to unlock the door like we do when we check on her before we go to bed. Last night it took 4 tries to get her to stay in her bed over the course of an hour. I am pregnant and crabby already, DH can only help so much because he has to leave for work by 4:30 am so I feel bad making him get up with her. (He is always willing to help)  I know that being consistent is important and that it should work itself out at some point I'm just worried that my will power is going to give out soon and we'll have to start all over. 

She has a pillow pet that projects stars on the ceiling and 3 stuffed animals that she loves in bed with her. The baby monitor provides a little night light. So I'm not sure if she is scared or what. When I ask her she just repeats that she wants to sleep in mommy and daddys bed over and over. When I ask why she just sighs and says it again.  

melly918

I know you don't want to hear this but you have to be firm and consistent with her.  State: "this is your bed, this is where you sleep." Give her a kiss and leave. You have given her a lot of tools to help self soothe.

bethLenell

Thanks ladies, I know we are doing the right thing I just wish it was a little easier haha!! I am very happy with the progress she has made at bed time. I think she'll get it eventually.

spincat9

Ugh, I am dealing with middle of the night wakings as well....but DD just wants water, or a diaper, or water and a diaper, or milk, or a snack, or....  Last night it was 3 times during the night.  At just about 2 years I wasn't expecting this much sleep interruption for her (or for me).  I'm sorry you are dealing with wakings as well!

I do agree with the PP's that consistency and firmness is key.  I also try not to pick DD up unless I have to.  I just try to talk to her and get her to lay back down so she doesn't get in the habit of needing to be held to get back to sleep.  I'm not sure they understand the question "why" they want something, at this age?

I first ask her "What do you need, why are you awake?" and try to tell her "Mumma sleep, Daddy sleep, now Lauren sleep" so she gets that this is what we are all doing right now.  Doesn't always work though admittedly.

Good luck and stay strong - sounds like you are making good progress!