20 Month Old Sleeping Issues - help!

[Glitterb]

Since turning 18 months my DD has been a nightmare for sleeping during the night, first it was separation anxiety and wanted us to sit on her floor until she went back to sleep however now she is waking up at 9pm or 2.15am every night screaming the house down and desperately trying to climb out the cot, she will not go back in her cot and only settles in our bed. It is really not something I want to continue to allow her to do as tbh I am exhausted and I don’t like co sleeping! Can it be night terrors every evening at the same time? I don’t think she is teething as she is showing no signs during the day. Is it time for sleeping training? Has anyone else’s toddler been through the same thing?

My daughter went through a similar phase. I found it really hard. I spoke to a HV for advice but like most things, it passed. She’s now 3 and sleeps 7-7 most days! There’s a lot going on in their brain, especially at that age and they’ll want reassurance you’re there so I think sleep training in the traditional sense would be absolute last resort. If you really need the sleep then a few days in your bed won’t be a problem but when you have a little more time then persevere in her cot. We were told to be consistent and say the same thing.

e.g”it’s nighttime (child’s name), time to go back to sleep” and then lay them back down again. Pat their back, stroke hair etc, whatever they like. It will take time but either it will click with them, or the phase will just pass naturally.

I’ll have “This too shall pass” on my headstone one day, it’s my parenting mantra!!! Good luck!!