21 month old suddenly waking!!

[KWilson]

My DD has pretty much always slept through! Now she insists on having the door open and wakes sometimes a couple of times during the night, stands by her gate crying until I put her back to bed. If my husband goes to her he sometimes ends up next to her bed until she falls asleep. Any tips or ideas on what could be causing this and what we can try to get her to sleep through again?

Babies and toddlers get a feeling of protection, security and comfort from the enclosed sides of the cot. It creates a feeling of safety. Without it you get feelings of being exposed and fear - that's what your seeing.

The most obvious answer is put baby in a cot. I would not suggest a bed until past 3rd birthday at the earliest (unless cosleeping). If baby was climbing cot sides, there are ways to tackle that instead of swapping to a bed before child has the emotional regulation to deal with the fear and exposure feelings.

If this isn't possible, focus on finding alternate ways for your toddler to feel safe and secure. So door open, lights on (but dim), your presence nearby, comfort toys, etc.