3.2 yo DD waking 2/3 times a night. Why? How to stop?

[ellensmelons]

Another crap night. Up at 12, 1.30 and 5.

She used to sleep through most nights, but since a chest infection about 6 weeks ago she wakes every 3 hours or so. She makes such a noise when she does I have to go in quickly so she doesn't wake (very good sleeper) DS. She then goes straight to sleep.

How do I stop her waking in the first place tho? I work 4 days a week so this is really getting me down. Tried the sticker chart, being comforting, being cross, toys in / out of bed. She has a morning light that goes on at half 6 so she knows when it is day/night.

Haven't tried controlled crying with her - is she too old? Also afraid she'll wake her brother. Anyone tried CC with a 3 yo?

Any advice very gratefully received.

Thanks lara! I have at times been so horrible to her. Anyone else help us? Or tell us they grow out of it. In about 12 hours.....

Just thought i'd let 'one' know about my post from way back.

I bought a couple of books - a Ferber and a Lynne someone if I stretch my mind - about child sleep problems.

I read them. My child did not have a sleep problem as such - the problem was I went to her each time she cried.

No cuddles, no chat, just put her down and went. Apparently it was enough positive reinforcement for her to keep waking 3/4 times a night!!

So... I left her to cry. 5 mins, then 10, then for as long as it took.

One night i went in after 10 mins cos she didn't sound right and she had been sick. Guilt central!!!

But I kept with it.

Now, she sleeps through!!!!!! I can't believe it. And DS isn't woken up by any noise she makes which is amazing.

So - don't know if leaving children to cry is 'being a bad mum', but it's worked for her.... She's not as tired during the day, is less ratty (nice!) and the same goes for her mum!

Lara you could be talking about my eldest daughter. At least not alone! Last night she slept from 7.45 til 4am when she called out asking for cuddles. I know I should persuade her to go back to bed etc but it's so much easier to pick her up and put her in our bed. Especially as number 2 daughter is 8 months old, still on our room as she still feeds twice at night! She is 2.5 btw.

If you find a solution please let me know.