Israeli sleep coach, Batya Sherizen is taking questions from Kveller readers. Send your problems to info@kveller.com.
Dear Batya,
My 2.5-year-old daughter gets up at least 4 times a night and comes to our room. I can usually get her back to sleep quickly, but I can’t get her to stay asleep or at least in her room if she wakes up!
Dear Iris,
With a 2.5 year old, it’s probably more of a discipline issue than a physical sleep dependency problem. I would assume she’s in a bed, not a crib, if she’s so easily popping out at night to visit you. In such a case I’d say your best option is to lay down the law and let her know that night time means she stays in her bed, just like you stay in your bed! If she fights you for bedtime as well, then you just have to teach her how to stay in her bed and not come out. I’m personally not a fan of baby gates, as it in essence just makes the whole room a crib and can have many safety hazards involved.
Therefore, I would do the following: One night place a chair next to her bed for bedtime, and remain there until she falls asleep. When she wakes at night and comes to you, go back and put her in her bed, while you remain in that chair until she falls asleep. As the days progress place the chair further and further away until you’re out of the room completely. This will teach her to stay in her bed while still ensuring she feels secure enough and knows that you are there to help her. I’d estimate it taking about 1.5-2 weeks. CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY!
Contact Batya and mention you saw her on Kveller for a free phone consultation! www.BatyatheBabyCoach.com
