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Here are the top reasons this might be happening.

1. Your child could be simply testing the waters. As adults, we usually understand that once we learn a rule (don’t drive on the wrong side of the road, don’t cut in the front of the line at the bank, don’t drink a double espresso before bed), it’s always going to be the rule.

But children don’t think that way, and for them this new bedtime knowledge is not yet crystallized. In their minds, just because something was the rule today, this does not necessarily mean it will be the rule tomorrow or three weeks from now.

Most children will repeatedly test you around everything, as you probably know, but they will especially test your expectations around sleep. That’s why it’s so important to stick to the plan. Don’t start bringing baby into bed with you at night when he cries, or rocking him back to sleep every two hours...not after all that hard work you did. Just stay the course and soon he will figure out that bedtime and sleep routines are here to stay.

2. If your baby was sleeping soundly every night and is suddenly waking and crying, it’s possible she might have an ear infection. With some children it isn’t as easy to detect, and they may not be pulling on their ears or fighting a fever (usually a telltale sign). If you suspect your baby might be waking from pain, take her to the doctor and have her ears checked out. Once she is treated she will most likely start sleeping soundly again.

3. If your baby is protesting at night and it seems out of the blue, it’s also possible it could be related to a developmental milestone. If your child has recently learned a new skill (crawling, walking etc.) this could be what’s causing the momentary ripple in bedtime routine. Remember to stick to the plan and it should blow over in a couple of weeks.

Remember: Whatever the reason for your baby’s night-waking or tantrums at bedtime, don’t panic and rush in there to help. You have to remain consistent with your response and expectations or you will quickly undo all the progress you’ve made. The more you stick with the plan, the more your baby’s healthy sleep habits will just become part of his daily routine, which will set him up for a lifetime of sleeping well.

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Certified Sleep Sense Consultant Tip

“If you have a toddler, you already know that it can be a nightmare trying to keep him or her in their bed until morning!

That’s why I love recommending sleep clocks to all of my clients who have children 18 months of age or older. A sleep clock is a unique sleep tool that helps toddlers understand when its time to go to bed AND when its OK to wake up for the day.

There are several on the market that offer various colors, alarm settings, and specifications but in general they include two “alarms”. The first time that you can set is the time that you would like your child to be in bed. At this time, the clock will turn a certain color or show an image that represents bedtime. The second “alarm time” indicates when it is OK for your child to get out of bed in the morning – along with a new color or image. You then teach your toddler the difference between the two.

And don’t forget to tie a reward to the appropriate and expected behavior so they continue to do it! Some of my favorites include the OK to Wake! light, the Good Nite Lite, and the Kids Sleep Classic light. Let your child pick out their favorite one and then give them a week or so to get used to the new rules. Good Luck!“

Leann Latus PCD(DONA), CLC
Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Tender Transitions
leann@tendertransitionsmn.com
612.991.5224

Schedule your complimentary “Let’s Get Acquainted” session:
www.tendertransitionsmn.com

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That’s just about it for today. If you want to prepare for other parenting challenges down the road; or if you are currently experiencing them you will want to check out my program Kids: The Manual! It’s a child-friendly system designed to help parents with the some of the most common parenting challenges!