When Your Toddler Wakes Up Screaming In The Middle Of The Night

Does your child have trouble sleeping through the night?

If your toddler is waking up in the middle of the night, it can be a problem for everyone.

Not only do you risk having a cranky toddler on your hands in the morning…

But more than likely you’ll be a cranky mama the next morning because your sleep was interrupted.

How can you help your toddler feel okay about sleeping in his own room and staying there through the night?

Sleep expert Mandy Gurney suggests doing a Gradual Retreat Method to help your child stay in his bed through the night, especially if your child has been anxious or having nightmares…

The whole idea behind this 5-step approach is that your child gains the confidence to sleep in his room by himself again without having to get up and crawl into bed with you.

Here’s how it works:

Sit on the “Sleepy Cushion” on the edge of his bed for 3 nights until your child goes to sleep. (Click through to the full article to read more about how to select the proper “sleepy cushion.”)
Sit on the “Sleep Cushion” until he falls asleep, but move it 1-2 feet away from your child’s bed.
Repeat this process: Every 4th day, move it 1-2 more feet away from the bed until you’re outside the door. Each time, staying on the cushion for at least 5 min. after your child seems to fall asleep so that you make sure he’s in a deep sleep.
Aim to be out of the room, sitting outside the door by the 12th night.
If your child wakes up in the night, repeat the process from step 1.

This process takes some time, but by staying with it, you’ll be helping your toddler feel more safe and secure sleeping in his own room and not needing to wake up and come into your room.

More Parenting Advice: What do you do when your toddler wakes up screaming in the middle of the night?

Toddler Care: Sleepwaking [SuperNanny]

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When Your Toddler Wakes Up Screaming In The Middle Of The Night

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