What do I have to do to get my 2 yr old to sleep through the night?

Question

He is 2 years old and he still gets up and down at night. He does NOT take naps during the day. He is a big drinker and gets up during the night to drink. I use to keep a sippy cup by the bed and thought thats what the problem was so i took the sippy cup away and make him get up and go to the kitchen to get a drink of water, but hes just happy doing that also. And, of course, because of this problem he sleeps in my bed not his own. I think if I can ever get him to sleep the entire night through putting him in his own bed will fall into place. WHAT DO I DO??? .....a very tired mother.

Answer 1

It is hard to say since he is getting up thirsty and not hungry. Try giving him water awhile before bed to see if that helps. It may be if he is drinking sugary drinks through out the day that is all he needs to get over being thirsty all the time. When my son was that age he got up in the middle of the night because he was hungry so we just started giving him a larger snack before bed and that solved the problem mostly.

Answer 2

My solution to this was based on pure selfishness. I needed my sleep. I had to go through some difficult nights but it was worth it in the end.

First, by letting him sleep with you, he is being rewarded for waking up. I stopped rewarding my son. I think the thirst was just an excuse, so I left pure water in sippy cup by bed. This cut down most of his excuses.

Second, I made it difficult for him to wander around the house. His room had a night light; the rest of the house was dark.

Third, and hardest: every time he got up, I would gently put him back to bed. I would not talk to him and I would not make eye contact. This was repeated numerous times. But he gradually began to sleep for longer periods of time and finally, all through the night. Whole process took about 6 months.

Last, no sugary drinks after about 3pm and no horseplay or exercise after that time either. It stimulates the adrenalin and makes sleep difficult. Isn't parenthood a hoot?! Good Luck to you and your little one...

Answer 3

Starting at 5pm cut out all foods and drinks with any sugar in them. Juices, snacks, etc... Then about 2hrs before bed, play with him as much as possible to get all excess energy out.
Then give him a bath with some of that lavender baby soap.

My son was the same way, never slept through the night, was up maybe 5-6 times per night, always wanted to drink.
His ped said that sugar makes them thirsty and gittery at night so they wake up. And the lavender will soothe him before bedtime.
I did all of the above and my son only wakes up 2x a night now..if that, he's actually starting to sleep through the night now.

Answer 4

put a gate on their door they cant open, reduce the amount of liquid one hour before bed. PUT HIM IN HIS OWN BED. At first you stay in there with him, lights off, ignore him. after 10 minutes move further away from him, ignore him, repeat until you are near that gate you need to put up. Once hes asleep , leave the room. but during this time DONOT respond to him. he needs to learn the rules and YOU are the boss. goodluck

Answer 5

First you might want to find out what you are giving him through out the day that might be over stimulating him . or you can do what i did go in and check on him maybe about twice foR the first couple of nights and reassure him that mommy is right here and that he is OK but he stills has to stay in bed

Answer 6

Beat him with a chop stick like back in the days.He'll cry himself to sleep.

Answer 7

Has he ever been tested for diabetes or does it run in your family because thirst like that can mean diabetes

Answer 8

Make her play all day.