My 3 Year Old Is Having Problems When She Sleeps

If you haven't already asked her where it hurts. With my daughter, who is 3 years old, we have a hard time getting her to discribe what hurts so we ask her to point where it hurts.

She might have an ear infection, which for some children are only noticable when they lay down for nap/bedtime and feel uncomfortable.

As Rachel said it could be growing pains but that only last for 2-3 weeks.

Hopefully it can be figured out. Feel free to call the doctor and maybe go in to see if further answers can be gotten.

hopefully the sweetheart can tell you where she hurts. it doesn't sound like an excuse to get in bed with you since she is still waking up. i would definitely ask a pediatrician, but it might also possibly be acid reflux and laying flat is what triggers it. hope it gets better!

Hi S.,

You didn't say what hurts, but if it is her legs that are hurting it could growing pains. My daughter gets them only at night when she is growning. It normally happens for about 2-3 wks and goes away. She asks for ice pack and that makes her feel better. We have an ice pack which is filled with rice so it is not as cold or have the same problems with possible forstbite as many other ice packs. It only stay cold about 20 minutes which is enough for her to fall back asleep. If it is anything else I would take her to the doctor.

Sorry for the late reply. I wonder if she has an ear infection or a toothache, or something else that seems to be worse at nite? If she keeps it up, you may want to just double check with her pediatrician.
If it's been going on for a few weeks, it may not be an illness, but maybe some kind of ploy for attention? My 3 yo daughter has been saying she has a cough and she's sick, but she is very dramatic. I'm positive she's doing it just for attention, and sometimes she will say her tummy hurts too. Anything to get out of bed! I don't know though, since this is waking your daughter up at nite.
Good luck, hope she feels better!

It sounds like growing pains. My daughter dealt with it worse than any of my boys (she is actually still dealing with it at age 5). For some reason its always worse in the night because their bodies are finally relaxing. You might try some Motrin before bed to see if that helps. But talk to your pediatrician too cuz you don't wanna become dependent on over the counter meds. Good luck and I hope it gets better for y'all soon.

A. K

Just a suggestion but my daughter suffered terrible ear problems. The doctor would think I was crazy when I would say she would moan and toss and turn all night. It turned out she had a plug of wax in her ear with an abscess behind it. When she would lay down I guess the pressure from the fluid would press her ear drum. Once the wax was removed and the ear was treated she was fine. You didn't mention where the pain was so I am not sure if this could be the case. Also, my son would get terrible leg cramps, which the doctor would say was growing pains. I know leg cramps can happen sometimes from low potassium. If it is her legs then try giving extra bananas, spinach, or anything with potassium. If it continues it is worth a phone call to the doc to put your mind at ease. Good luck!!