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I Don't Want to Go to Bed!
5 Common Sleep Problems in Toddlers By Melissa Granberry
Nicole Vines' 2-year-old daughter began waking up during the night when she gave up her pacifier. "Our daughter woke up every night, and simply going into her room and comforting her wasn't getting her back to sleep," says Vines. "We had to lie down beside her and pat her back." After a week or so, the nighttime "wake up calls" stopped. "If she is waking up, she is putting herself back to sleep," says Vines.
"We all have partial awakenings at night," says Dr. Steven Kanengiser, a pediatric pulmonologist with the Sleep Disorders Center at Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, N.J.. "As adults, we don't remember waking up, we just go back to sleep."
Toddlers may need some assistance learning this skill, and a transition object may be helpful. "If your child goes to sleep rocking in Mom's arms, then he will be looking for Mom if he wakes up," Dr. McCoy says. However, if he falls asleep holding his bedtime blanket, he can easily grab the blanket during the night and soothe himself back to sleep.
"If the child is over 2, rewards such as stickers or small treats may be enough incentive to keep him in bed," Dr. McCoy says. "Also, having an older sibling in the room can help your toddler feel safe and more comfortable."
"First, make sure the room is a safe place," says Dr. McCoy. Rolling out of bed is a new hazard, and bedrails may be needed. "If the bed is up against a wall, make sure that it is close enogh that your child can not become trapped."
Parents can modify their bedtime routine to fit the new situation. "When we switched our daughter to a bed, we realized quickly that we needed to adjust our bedtime rituals," says Vines. "Previously, we read books to her in the family room prior to bedtime, now we read them in her bed." Vines gives her daughter a warm-up period in her bed before turning out the light and leaving her alone. "She seems to respond best when we let her know what to expect – sort of a 'play-by-play' of bedtime," she says.
Staying close to your child's room can also ease the transition. "Sit in the room with your child," says Dr. McCoy. "As you get off of the bed, tell your child that you are leaving, but will be right outside of the door." This technique works for the Vines family. "While my daughter falls asleep, we agree to work in the office which is adjacent to her room," Vines says. "Typically, she is asleep in a matter of minutes."
