2 Year Old Now Waking up 6-8 Times a Night, HELP!

Wow, what a tough situation. I think most sleep books would probably tell you to let him cry it out (or some version thereof, like the Ferber version), but if you're trying that and he can cry for hours, that's really, really difficult and I'm not sure I'd recommend it -- and I know that doesn't work for all babies. The next bit of advice is the no eye contact, no interaction, but still come in and check on him, but you're doing that too! So, I'm afraid I don't have much good advice for you other than not to let him sleep more than he normally would during the day so that he's not too rested at night. My guess is that since he was sick and was waking up feeling bad, he either got used to being comforted and wants that now, or he wakes up and still feels like he needs to be comforted (which would also explain his hard-core attachment to his blanket/ binkie). In that case, it might be thinking about ways to make him feel more secure -- encouraging the lovie, really cuddling him up before bed, etc.

I had a friend who hired a sleep consultant and they will actually come into your house and work with you and take in the particulars with your child and situation (e.g., who knows, it could be that if you and Dad are inconsistent, he keeps screaming because he's hoping Dad will come and interact with him or whatever). I'm not sure how much sleep consultants cost, but if you can afford it, this might be the type of situation that warrants it since lack of sleep can drive everyone insane and it sure sounds like you're trying a lot of the right things. Wish I could be more helpful. I really feel for you! Hang in there. Although it feels like it will, it won't last forever.

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Hang in there.
S.

After a child has been sick it is hard to readjust but be patient it will happen. I went through this so many times with my two. Just be consistent.

If he is getting a different response every time he is old enough and smart enough to try and outlast you. I absolutely disagree with Leah!! Sorry. But at two years of age it is the age of learning manipulation and response. He does not need to be in your bed, he needs to understand he will not get what he wants every time and that he needs to go to bed when he is laid down!! Period. It is not mean, it is teaching them that it is what it is. You can give him lot's of love and hugs but put him down and walk away. Kids are going to cry a ton when they do not get what they want but what kind of parents give in to that? That teaches them NOTHING! All kids would stay up and be cuddled until midnight if the parents would let them!

I never let my kids cry it out until after the year mark. Then it was a gradual period of time, going back in, rubbing their backs but walking back out and they never have cried for more then 20 minutes. I gave them the gift of self soothing and good sleep. By going in, getting him up you are teaching him if he cries long enough he is going to get what he wants!! Not good message for a two year old.

He should need about 13-14 hours total including or not naps. He shouldn't take a four hour nap, just lay him down for two hours and get him back up. Make sure his one nap a day is far enough away from bedtime too. Like at noon to 2:00 and get him outside, if I get my kids out in the sunshine for a while they both go down easier! :)

This is the age too where independence strikes, tantrums start, growth spurts, testing you and all of that.

I would set up a very firm bedtime routine, bath, jammies, teeth brushed, story, hugs and walk away. If he cries let him. Go in every half hour and lay him back down, rub him on the back and walk out. I had a music box that would kick on with noise and slowly wind back down, it was wonderful!
Do the same routine every night so he knows the ques. Try something to help him relax, a fan for white noise, music box or something like that. Make sure the room is dark and cool too, this time change throws kids off too. My kids sleep great in a room that is about 68 degrees and have had a fan in their room forever, it helps a bunch as they love the white noise, they cannot hear the TV, phone ring or anything else.

He has learned if he cries you will come in. Don't. As hard as that is, a few nights of you not caving or going in without a word and laying him back down will help you big time. It isn't mean, it isn't going to cause trauma, it is more important he learns at 2 that you will not run in there. Kids that age can really be stubborn, but just don't cave. He just needs the consistency with both you and your husband. Those nights will suck but it will sink in and he will go to sleep. Try sleepytime lotions too, the smell is very relaxing.

He may be teething too, cutting two year old molars reeks havoc on sleep and are painful. Try Motrin or tylenol or even natural teething tablets before bedtime.

Being attached to the blankie is fine! Healthy and normal, it is the binkie that you need to work on getting rid of! Give it some time. I am the same way, if I lack sleep I lack patience and it is horrible.
Nap when he does if you can just to keep up with the sleep you need.
HUGS! It will get better and he was a great sleeper before.

He wants your attention! He wants your love and respect and hugs! You are the stubborn one not him - go into his room and hug him or bring him into your bed and cuddle him! If he doesn't get love from you he will try to get any attention he can during the day - even negative attention! Do you want him to be attached to his binkie and blankie or do you want him to find love in humans? He is holding on to the things that don't leave him!! His binkie and blankie are the constants in his life - don't you want to be that for him and provide those needs for him? PLEASE don't let him cry for hours...my heart ached when I read your note - do what's in your heart and go to him. He obviously needs you. Without that last bottle he may be having anxiety and is looking for some reassurance that everything is okay. Did you wean him from it or take it away suddenly? He'll need more comfort from you if you take away one of his comforts (the bottle). "The No-cry Sleep solution" by Elizabeth Pantly offers many helpful suggestions and ways to work through these phases without breaking the trust in your relationship with your child.If you invest time in him it will be paid back to you ten-fold in a great relationship with him. They are only little for so long so enjoy the cuddling and the fact that he needs you. Best wishes!