1 1/2 Year Old Won't Sleep Through the Night Anymore

My 2 year old did the exact same thing at 18 months. You have to let them cry it out. What I did was go in there every few minutes a few times then put more time between visits to the crib. keep doing that until she's asleep. I also put a clock radio in the room that has a setting that only plays for an hour. She was usually asleep in that time. I kept it really low on an easy listening station. It was like the room was to quiet and it scared her. This not sleeping thing came totally out of the blue for me but I knew not to pick her up and take her in another room, she was the 4th and I'd made that mistake enough times to know not to do it again. It's just a stage you have to train the baby to get past.

Hi T.,
My now 3 1/2 went through a stage like that when he was about that age. He was always a good sleeper and went to bed with no problems and then all of sudden he started crying when I left. I didn't know what to do. There didn't seem to be a reason that he was upset. I got him a nightlight and started reading him an extra book at night. I would rock him for a few extra minutes and then put him down. It worked. I think it was the nightlight personally. Although I just realized that it is probably light out when she goes to bed right now. So maybe an extra few minutes of cuddling will help. Sorry I wasn't to helpful.
Chris

To be a bit on the blunt side....(mom of 17, 15 10 and 7), put them in bed and be done.... it really stinks for the first few nights (took 3 hrs with my oldest the first 4 days), but does get easier........ You cant start "spoiling" now, unless you are ready for manyyyyyyy years of it, and trust me you are not!! Read, nightlight, rock, etc......doesnt matter (it may for a min, but not in the long run), putting in bed and walking away works in time.... just matters if YOU can do it, as ur child can.... I know it seems impossible now, but not next month.... sorry to be so blunt, but this is how i learned from a child psychologist.... hope it works for you
T.

I don't have answers just thoughts to share. I don't completely agree with previous responses. I think there is rarely a blanket answer for everyone. Here's some things to think about in your situation.

1. Maybe she's starting to realize she can control your reaction sometimes and she may be just fine but trying to convince you to not put her to bed and testing to see if she can get you to come pick her up to be with you or to play more. So maybe you should just let her cry it out and realize it's just time to sleep no argument.

2. Maybe her imagination kicked in and she's imagining her stuffed bear coming to life and really wants to eat her or who knows what they imagine. Or maybe she's had a scary dream before and is afraid it will come back. Really moniter what she sees expecially on tv or how people pretend play with her. My daughter was very verbal at 1 1/2 and told me about a clown when when she woke up crying one night. She had seen a clown at the fair that was friendly and kept it's distance but still scared her. So she had a nightmare. Maybe she needs extra comforting for a short time due to a fear. Maybe you can deal with any fears during the day time hours to help the night time ones.

3. Maybe it's separation anxiety. Maybe needs more time with mom. Has mom been away more often lately or busier at home than usual? If that's the case maybe more quality time together would help.