Sleep-Training a Toddler

Yummy Mummy Leena from Winnipeg, Manitoba asks:


My 17 month old toddler has never slept through the night since birth. He wants milk 2-3 times during the night. I'm sick of it and don't know what to do - please help!


Dear Leena,

Help is on the way!

Even though right now there seems  to be no light at the end of the tunnel, in no time you and your toddler will be getting some well deserved rest. Although there is no one style fits all sleep solution, I hope these tips will assist you in your journey into a "Yummy Mummy" Dreamland.
 
Close the 24hr buffet
Have him take his nutrition during the waking hours, at his age you can be confident (unless your doctor has told you otherwise) that he no longer needs to be fed at night.

Heads up little man
Begin your evening by telling him what the new plans are for your night routine. Nobody likes surprise changes.

"I Object Your Honor"
Remember toddlers make the best lawyers so leave the negotiating to the court room. Keep your conversations minimal because in no time they will be asking for the keys to the car.

Find the"Right" solution for your family
Now there is a variety of sleep training techniques available so it is important to sit down with your partner and choose a technique that fits both your parenting style and your child personality. Even though "Suzie" down the street did the "Ferber" method and it worked. If it doesn't feel good to you- don't do it.

Consistency is the key
You can choose to take tiny baby steps e.g. replacing milk with water or big giant steps e.g.. no milk at all, as long as you remain consistent.

Start at the beginning of the night
Start by breaking the food sleep association by having his last milk and then brushing his teeth before putting him down wide awake, so he will use the tools at the beginning of the night that you expect him to use in the middle of the night.

Be sure to follow though
Sleep training especially toddlers is not only about self soothing but about setting limits, so have confidence in both your child and yourself and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Nobody likes change
So be prepared for a challenging couple of nights of what I call "baby profanity" and "toddler tantrums". If your maid and butler went on strike you wouldn't be happy either.

Get support
Its not always easy to sleep train especially a toddler when chances are you are already exhausted and emotional. So surround yourself with support, be it your partner, a family member, a girlfriend, or even a Sleep Doula. Having a helping hand or a listening ear at 2 am can make the night just a little bit easier to know you are not alone.

Good luck, Leena! I know you can do it, but if you do need a helping hand or a listening ear at 2 am don't hesitate to contact us at www.sleepdoula.com .

Sweet Dreams!

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Other articles you might enjoy:
Click here for a good read when All You Want is Sleep
Click here for some Yoga for the Sleep Deprived Mummy
Click here for Napping vs. Swat Team

 

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