My 16 months old toddler does not sleep well at night.

Bobbi Jean - posted on 12/12/2012

Some children have trouble sleeping. Both of mine went through this, even when they were done teething. All I can tell you is to get a routine for your child and stick to it. It will be hard and you may have to put up with some rough nights because this is not what he is used to. It will take some time for you both to adjust. Even then, some nights will be better than others.



I found that order and sequence were more important than exact timing. Here is routine we followed with both our children:



--bath

--snack--a couple of graham crackers and a small cup of milk

--brush teeth--any water was handled here

--two stories

--prayers--(even when they were infants)

--lights out--we did use a nightlight and kept the door cracked



Here's the hard part. When we started this, our children were used to parent response on demad. I used a baby monitor so I could hear if something happened. The first night, I waited five minutes before responding the first time. (Rub his back or give him a hug-in the cot. Don't pick him up unless he needs changing. Do what you need to, put him back down, hug him in the cot, rub his back, and say quietly, "Good Night. It's time for bed. I love you." Then, leave. If he starts crying immediately--and he very well may, stick to the plan.)



Second time--ten minutes, third--fifteen, fourth--twenty and gradually extended it over the next few nights. After the first night, I would wait for ten minutes--then extend it. The planned time was important for me, because I could have something to stick to. The baby didn't have a clue, but I had something to measure progress.



This may take a couple of weeks and you may get a good case of shredded nerves--I know I did. Just hang in there. Things do get better.

Sahar - posted on 12/12/2012

Actually i need some help with his sleep routine because at day time he is perfectly fine,i think he do not have teething pain his sleep routine is disturbed only. Any tips for keeping my baby cosy in his cot and make him love his cot. I want him to sleep for at least 5 to 6 hours without waking up. I do not understand why he wakes up every other 2 hours for milk.

Bobbi Jean - posted on 12/12/2012

It sounds like what both my children went through at that age. It also sounds like what my doctor told me! If you baby is teething, here are some other things you can try:



1: Wet a very clean washcloth, tie it in a small knot and put it in the freezer. My babies used to love the feel of it on their gums.



2. My grandmother said to rub ice on the gums, but this was awkward. I got a couple of lollipop molds and froze plain water "lollipops" to rub on the baby's gums. It was esier on the stick. Sticks were reusable to a certain point.



3. Some teething rings can be put into the freezer for the baby to chew on.



4. Teething crackers. They are available here, I don't know about other places.



I hope this helps. Hang in there--eventually this will get better. .

Sahar - posted on 12/12/2012

He just takes only one nap during day time for 1 hour thats it. i took him to our GP she checked him and said he is medically fine I asked her can his discomfort be because of teething she said No babies start teething process from 4 or 5 month of age and it goes on and on this can not be his cause of getting up again and again. Thanks for your post by the way.

Holly - posted on 12/12/2012

how many naps does your baby take during the day, and for how long? these are factors you must take into consideration when your 16mo is waking up in the night... also is your baby teething? could it be that his in uncomfortable due to his teeth coming in? rub some teething ointment on his gums and talk to your pediatrician about giving him tylenol or motrin at bed time or