Your toddler: Sleep
Unless otherwise indicated the pronoun he or she refers to either sex. We have chosen to alternate.
13-15 months
Sleep: The family bed
There are plenty of vocal opponents to families sleeping together, but many families find this is the best way for everyone to get a good night's sleep. One of the most informative authorities on co-sleeping is Dr James McKenna. You will find more about Dr James McKenna's research on co-sleeping here.
If you have been sleeping together, you may be ready to move baby into his own bed or his own room when he turns into an active toddler - especially if another baby is on the way. Begin by making his bed a special spot and the place he has his daytime naps. At night, you can start him off in his own bed and let him come in with you when he wakes, taking him back when he falls asleep. Expect a few disturbed nights as you gradually get him used to sleeping all night in his own bed. Another alternative is to put a single bed in his room and keep him company until he goes to sleep. Whatever method you chose, it is going to be musical beds until he gets used to the change.
22-24 months
Disturbed nights
Waking at night is a natural part of sleep for all of us-including little ones. Toddlers naturally surface from deep sleep about five times during the night. They might turn over, mumble or grunt, even open their eyes and move about before falling back to sleep. A toddler who wakes in a strange environment may stay awake because they may be frightened. You and your toddler will sleep better if you establish a regular bedtime routine, put them to sleep in a familiar environment and comfort your toddler quickly and quietly if they call out for you.
If your toddler starts to wake frequently at night after being a good sleeper then you need to look for a reason. Controlled crying and similar methods are not going to lead to peaceful nights if there is an underlying problem. If there are any signs of illness such as abdominal pains or an ear infection (often indicated by a yellowish discharge from the ear) then take your child to the doctor for a check up. The other common problem is pinworms or threadworms. A child who wakes at night with scratch marks around her anus is likely to have pinworms. Adults as well as children can have pinworms and they can survive on bedding for up to two weeks. They don't live in cats and dogs. If you suspect pinworms then see your doctor and start a course of treatment as soon as possible.
