My 20mo wakes at night screaming and won't go back to sleep unless he's being snugled. Any advice?

Question

We did some gentle sleep training a few months ago, and he was sleeping great since then. I should mention that we cosleep. He would pretty much sleep through the night. for the last month about, he's been waking up at night screaming, and needs to be snuggled tight to fall back asleep. He doesnt even wait one second to cry, just goes from to sleeping peacefully to screaming. What's up with that? Is there anything I can do to help him/us?

Answer 1

my daughter did the same thing all i could do was hold her it could be a bad dream or something. it's nothing wrong with holding your young child when they wake up like that. it also show them that you are their when they need you.and they would trust you more.

Answer 2

night light!!!!! my son slept great through the night until 13 months old, then he was suddenly scared of the dark.... He fought going back to sleep unless he was rocked there.. Try a night light.. it worked for us.. now when he wakes he can look around and isn't scared of anything then goes right back to sleep.... Good Luck!!!!

Answer 3

I've been told it's pretty normal for toddlers that cosleep. My guess is that he is coming out of a deep sleep and he can't physically feel you or your husband next to him and he thinks you aren't in the bed with him...so he gets scared.... We cosleep with our 17 month old and he does the same thing on occassion.

Answer 4

Forget the gentle sleep training. Put him in his own crib. Let him cry. Put him to bed at night and don't go back till morning. I am not just a childless ***** flapping my gums, I have had seven babies. You MUST let them cry it out at that age. It is a bad habit that they won't break on their own, you as the parent must help them even though it's as hard on you as it is on them.

Answer 5

my nephew done the same thing at that age he was teething but wouldnt go back to bed unless he was held or rocking my sister just went along with it and he stopped after about 3wks i know it sounds forever but now he is back to sleeping all night good luck!!!

Answer 6

you need to give him a nap 2-3 hours before bed. wake him before an hour passes. then at bedtime, put him down. he will stop the night terrors. if a child is overtired, he/she will have that.

Answer 7

Just...Leave...the...room...It helps when it comes to crying too. yeah harsh, but...that's what my family has always done. but if not, go to the doctor! or find some remedy that he/she likes.