2.5 year old sleep separation anxiety

[JMC2021]

Our DD has recently started with what we think is sleep anxiety.

Previously a great sleeper she now won't sleep unless we sit by her door or lie close to her.

She then wakes at around 9-10 and again in the night.

We have a foam bed that we keep in her room which is becoming uncomfortable to sleep on. We both prefer to sleep than continuing to be up all night.

We are thinking of buying a trundle bed so that when DD kicks off we can be comfy whilst next to her.

DH wants to try controlled crying but I am so tired I just don't have the energy.

Are we making a rod for our backs or is it just a good idea so that we all sleep.

Honestly? If you're going to be her comfort mechanism yourself, you'd be much better bringing her into your room and having a family bed until she's old enough to find a way to comfort without you there.

Yes, I'm going to say it - it will be a rod for your back. Her room us supposed to be the space she learn to feel safe and secure enough to sleep in. You're teaching her that she isn't enough to be comforted in there on her own, so she needs you. Better having your room as the place for mumny/daddy Cosleeping. Save her room for the independent version when shes ready.

That said, I wouldn't go for Controlled Crying if you're not both ready and on-board. Make her room feel comfortable and comforting to sleep in on her own. Maybe leave her light on? Afraid of the dark is the usual culprit. And committ and promise to always stay close by upstairs as she goes to sleep.

I’ve been sitting outside my 2.5 year old son’s bedroom since 1.30am for exactly the same reason! Help! I hope someone will come along with a miracle solution soon, I’m so tired! 😩

I’m going through this right now with my 2.5 son, he was the same asking us to sit with him, I did it for the first couple of nights and felt it didn’t help…he would just get up crying when we left and would do this several times during the night. I now just put him to bed and leave the room, I may have to put him back in a couple of times, but if he starts to cry I do leave him for a couple of mins at a time which I find helps. He always shouts out for mummy and I always say I’m here and that comforts him. He does this during the night and I do the same and he seems to be ok with it now, he doesn’t cry or try to get out of bed.Last night was the first night he has slept right through in 2 weeks, so I’m hoping that this is him settling back down. X