Sleep Training a Toddler: Am I doing this right?

Re: Sleep Training a Toddler: Am I doing this right?

• jsugrin member

  February 2012

  That sounds about right.  I know that most "experts" will say after the 2nd time out of bed to simply place them back with no words or interaction.  If he got a lot worse in the last week have you checked his molars, his ears?
  

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• seethesmiles member

  February 2012

  We did sleep training when DS was almost 2.5 and it was a nightmare. We had a similar problem -- having to rock him to sleep and it would take hours sometimes. The only difference was DS was still in his crib so we didn't have the issue of him getting out of bed. I would suggest turning the door knob around and locking him in but I know some people don't agree with that. Anyway, it took us over a month but I was really consistent and did not give in. I kept thinking back to all the posts I had read about people saying it took them 3 or 4 days and wanting to hurt those people and wondering what I was doing wrong and why DS was having such a hard time. But I think some kids are just more stubborn than others and it wasn't doing me any good to compare. I'm happy to say the my persistence paid off. I can now put DS in bed and walk away and he puts himself to sleep and sleeps through the night and there is very rarely any crying involved. Just keep at it! I'm sure you are doing fine and, if you are consistent, your LO will learn to sleep on his own.
  

  

  Report0 Reply
• Dreamsicle23 member

  February 2012

  Gate/lock the room so he can't get out.  Don't go in until morning unless the house is on fire.

  

  Bar tab = $156,000, Bus to Foxwoods = $0, Puking in the Stanley Cup = Priceless

  Report0 Reply
• juliane2004 member

  February 2012

  Dreamsicle23:

  Gate/lock the room so he can't get out.  Don't go in until morning unless the house is on fire.

  This. At 2.5 years old, I would absolutely let him CIO until he fell asleep, each and every time he woke in the night.

  It's quite possible that it's making it worse to say "I'll be back in a minute". That method is more for 6-12 months. Saying it now, he is probably getting more worked up about it when you leave.
  

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  
  

  Report0 Reply
• jencol

  February 2012

  Can I just tell you that I'm right there with you! Last night I was in tears waiting for DD to go to sleep (takes 45 min most nights). And she refuses to let my husband stay in there with her, it has to be me. I'm thinking to myself....who is the parent here?

  We have our second due in April and I would like to get DD#1 sleep under control, even though I expect some hickups once DD#2 is born.

  I explained to my DH last night while in tears, that the stress from this sleeping situation is unbearable for me right now, being 29 weeks pregnant. He agrees and we've both decided to let her CIO from now on, with some explanation before bed, so she isn't in total shock when I don't sit in her room with her anymore.

  I've been wanting her to be able to go to sleep on her own for OVER A YEAR NOW! And I have absolutely no one else to blame except DH and I, for not implementing this sooner.

  GL to you and I hope everything works out for both of us! Keep going mama, you can get through it!!

  

  Report0 Reply
• octwed07

  February 2012

  LOL, you're only on night #3!  It seems like forever, but stick to it.  We had to do that when we got back from a long vacation overseas where DD was sleeping with us.  Getting her back into bed and sleeping on her own, it took us about a week or 2  -- i never rocked her to sleep, i instead sat by the crib and sang songs.  And let me tell you, my toddler repertoire list of songs isn't very long, so after the 10th twinkle twinkle, i was about ready to go bonkers. But it worked and she's back to sleeping like a champ!! 

  

  Report0 Reply