Toddler Sleep Problems

I don't know if anyone else has experienced or is experiencing sleep
problems with their toddlers? My daughter is 2 years old and has never
slept good. She didn't start sleeping through the night until after
1...never slept much when she was an infant either. She still wakes up
in the night and no matter what time she goes to bed she still usually
wakes up early. She doesn' t like to sleep and fights it for a long
time each night. Her father has always had sleep problems since he was
an infant and still does...I think she inherited them. She seems to
just not need much sleep.

Lately she has been transfered to a big girl bed, and now wants either
mommy or daddy to lay with her until she falls asleep. If we don't she
will continuously climb out of bed and the entire process could take
anywhere from 1-2 hours, making the final time she goes to bed be like
10:30 or 11 even though we start at 9:00.

Her doctor doesn' t give much suggestions and I am worried that she has
inherited whatever sleep problem her dad has (no one could ever figure
out what his sleep problem was, and he never grew out of it and still
has sleep issues today), if anyone has any advice I would greatly
appreciate it! Also, some people have said about giving kids Benadryl
etc...I would never do that for sleep issues, but once she was sick and
her doctor said to give her that...it makes most kids tired but
actually had the opposite affect on her, making her wired for the whole
night!

It would be nice to know that other parents out there are facing the
same issues and what they do. Everyone I know with kids has never
experienced anything like this, which is discouraging! Thanks!

Hi --

Our younger son used to have sleep issues. We solved them by making
sure he gets PLENTY of physical activity during the day and also
removing allergens (dairy protein and red dye, in his case) from his
diet.

Your mileage may vary ...
--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
like me to reply.

Thanks, good advice. The funny thing about it is she does get a lot of
activity, and always has a lot of energy. It's like she builds it up
and then maybe 1 or 2 days every few months ends up sleeping really
good. She can have played all day outside and still not sleep well?
Just doesn't need a lot of sleep I guess, or inherited a sleep
problem. Anyways, thanks!

"Sbird1016" wrote in message
It would be nice to know that other parents out there are facing the
same issues and what they do. Everyone I know with kids has never
experienced anything like this, which is discouraging! Thanks!

When my first daughter was that age, we also switched her to her own bed. It
took many nights of putting her back in her bed when she got up. I just made
sure I was consistent about it and she finally got the picture. The other
thing I did was that I bought a tape recorder and some books on tape and
songs and she was allowed to listen to that in her bed, but she had to stay
there. I also allowed her to play quietly in bed, but she had to stay in her
room. I also used a fan in the room for white noise.
--
Sue (mom to three girls)

My daughter (two on Saturday) has never been the best sleeper. She
didn't sleep through the night until about 13 months either, and now
she will still wake up in the middle of the night. We will be
switching her to a bed soon and I'm sure it will be difficult as she
hates to go to sleep.
I know that lots of people will disagree with this, but I would just
lay down with your DD until she falls asleep for now. When she gets
comfortable, then move from her bed to a chair, then the doorway and
then out the door. It might take a long time, but eventually it should
work.
Sarah