My 2 Year Old Is Waking Up at Night
“my 2 year old waking up at night is really wearing my wife and I down. How do we handle this? She’s always been a good sleeper until now”
It is very common for children to go through sleep regressions or periods when their sleep gets worse. These ‘regressions’ happen not because of sleep per se, but because of different things happening in your child’s life.
These are some of the factors that could explain why your toddler is waking up more often:
- Learning a new skill like jumping, running, or using scissors… These changes may influence their sleep because they cause them to be overtired or too excited to sleep. It is not great for you but it is part of your child’s development. It is a natural part of your baby’s development.
- Becoming more aware of their surroundings which may cause them to be overstimulated.
- A growth spurt.
- Separation anxiety.
- Teething.
- Hunger.
- Being sick.
- Medical issues, such as reflux. If you are worried, always talk to your doctor.
You have two options. One is to keep doing what you are doing and wait until her sleep gets better or you could sleep train her. Sleep training is a very personal choice, some people are totally against it, whereas others see it as a useful tool to make their child sleep (and keep their own sanity). In this article, we explain what you need to know about sleep training.
I would also suggest that your wife and you organize shifts to get some sleep. It could be that you each are in charge of your daughter every other night. Or that, if possible, you have a nap after lunch.
One final thing, be careful if you end up consulting with any sleep ‘expert’. The sleep field is totally unregulated so please be very careful. At REC Parenting, we have sleep experts you can talk to knowing they are qualified and experienced. Get in touch with me if you want to have a consult.
I am sorry I cannot give you a technique that will make your child sleep instantly. I know how tough this stage of parenting can be. The only thing I can assure you is that it will pass. Your daughter will sleep through the night. I promise.
Related articles:
What Should a 2-Year-Old Know?
Developmental Milestones at 2-Years-Old
I hope this information helps!
Love,
Ana
