many youngsters at this age start waking in the night again after months of unbroken sleep. if your toddler does this, don't worry. toddler sleep problems are very common, but pre-school ones aren't, so you can take heart - things will improve. first, try using the checking method*. it is not too late to put this into effect, even at this age, just as long as:# your toddler feels secure - if there is a new baby around, she may feel a bit put out, so it could pay to wait til things have settled# she sleeps in her own bedroom and likes being secure, surrounded by her own things.
when you feel desperate
in extreme cases, for example, where a sleepless toddler drives a parent to physical or emotional abuse, doctors may suggest a sedative for the child. this should never be a long-term solution, but if can occasionally help short term, for a couple of nights. however, it is only an adjunct to managing a child's sleep problems with consistent loving handling and a good pre-bedtime regime and is only acceptable when needed to preserve family sanity. talk to your doctor or consider other options, such as support groups where you can talk to parents with similiar problems.
* the checking method: after putting your baby to bed, tuck her in, pat her, say goodnight, then leave. if she cries, return, pat her and leave again. if she continues to cry, wait a few minutes. agree with your partner how long this will be, for example, three minutes, and stick to it. go back, check and pat her, and say goodnight again. do not relent and cuddle her. gradually lengthen the period between checks.
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adopted from:
The Baby & Child Question & Answer Book - Dr. Carol Cooper
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