Need advice: 2.5 years of broken sleep but DD sleeps fine when on holidays etc

[shellki]

My DD is 2.5 and has never slept well. We went on a final holiday before baby number 2 is due in May, and she slept well. We actually got several night's sleep running, which never happens. It made me realise what its like to feel 'normal' again! I've had 2.5 years of grumpiness and feeling permanently knackered. Since DD has been back home its got progressively worse again, culminating in the last 2 nights of repeated wakings and crying/ shouting etc. We have tried most techniques, controlled crying, gradual retreat etc. But I've noticed that when we go away on trips together she sleeps better than at home, and if someone is babysitting she sleeps fine too. So I think its a behavioural problem. I am pretty much desperate for theories, advice, anything...!
Thanks!

it's probably just habit. when she's at home in her bed and she wakes, she just needs you to settle her because that's all she has ever had.
I personally think that over time it'll sort itself out, and that the best thing you can do is be there when she needs you. but i'm aware i'm likely to be in a minority with that

the fact that she has slept through, just says to me that maybe she is getting close to doing it more often?

that said, if I were going to go down a sleep training route my first port of call would be the toddler version of the no cry sleep solution.
it isn't a quick fix, it's about creating positive sleep cues, and gradually changing habits, so it does take a while to work. but it's a nice way to get them sleeping better, which I think most people want (rather than lots of screaming!)