My 20 Mo Son Doesn't Sleep Through the Night Anymore

Hi M.,
For my 7 kids, i found the book "Healthy Sleep Problems, Happy Child," by Dr. Marc Weissbluth had the answer to any and all sleep issues I ever encountered. I got tired of trying to guess what was going on, especially when they can't verbalize it, and unless they're sick, or you know they're in pain, the reason is really irrelevant. This book teaches you to teach them how to go to sleep, and get back to sleep if they wake. They go through so many stages where night waking occurs for so many different reasons, that i have found myself referring back to this book over and over , and it has solved the problem every time. Good luck.

My 19 mo old daughter is experiencing the same thing. Waking up several times a night. Last night, however, I let her cry it out. First was only 3 minutes at 11:30pm, the second was almost 30 minutes at 4am. It was hard, but I could tell the crying was more for attention that of pain or discomfort. I do think, however, she may be getting her 2yo molars and this may be causing some discomfort and waking her up. If you learn of anymore valuable suggestions, I'd be open for advice and tips, too.

I had this with my daughter. We figured out it was she was thirsty. So we gave her a special sippy cup with water only. Told her if she was thirsty then she could take a drink from her cup. She also has a blanket and doll she loves to sleep with. I hope this works for you. Good luck. Happy Holidays.

You have received some great suggestions with the water and teething. My daughter who is turning 5 until recently had a cup of water that she took to bed every night. Also, my daughter did start waking up around the same time yours is. I figureed out after a few nights that it was a fear of the dark. I starting using a night light and all was ok again. If you don't have a light in there he be waking up to a realy dark room and that can be scary. I know that even at 30 years old, I hate to wake in complete darkness. If you have appeased all other things, like thirst, pain or fear....you should give him a hug, tell him you love him and that you will see him in the morning and walk out the door. He may cry, but you really need to let him. AT 20 months old he knows what makes mommy tick and will play on your emotions to get what he wants. If you let him cry, he will eventually go back to sleep. He may do it again for a few more nights, but as long as you know he is safe and secure, there is no need to go to him. After about 3 nights he won't even bother yelling for you. He will know how to put himself back to sleep. Many parents don't realize how important it is for children to learn to self soothe. If they can't put themselves back to sleep they will be set up for a lifetime of sleep problems. I know my opinion won't be popular as there are many people who disagree with letting them cry, but I have used this method on my daughter and she has been a great sleeper along, knowing how to fall back to sleep on her own.

At 20 months, it could be a number of things waking him. Stuffy nose, bad dreams, teeth, tummy ache, hunger, or maybe he just wants his mommy.

My son, who's 3, has never been a good sleeper. I've found that co-sleeping works for us. You could try that with your son...or if your not a fan of co-sleeping you could perhaps lie with your son until he falls asleep then transfer him to his crib. If he wakes during the night, lie with him and repeat the process.

Trust your motherly instincts and know that you're not alone...tons of mothers have sleep trouble with their babies...it's a natural thing and they'll outgrow it. Good luck :)

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Hi M.,
I wouldn't worry too much (although I know it is frustrating) My daughter is 20 months old as well and last month she also went through a waking up in the middle of the night phase. I brought her to her doctor so that her ears could be checked and the pediatrician said that it might be nightmares as they often begin at this age. Hopefully it will pass for your child as quickly as it did for mine. Try not to worry! Good luck!