Tell me it's just a phase!!

[bobby's bear]

My 2y8mo has been a great sleeper since she was about 1yo, however over the past month or so she has started waking 2-3 times per night and crying out for me. Usually all I have to do is go in and rub her back and she settles straight back to sleep but it still means I'm up! I have tried leaving her for a bit but it usually escalates to her shouting 'I want mummy' over and over and I end up going in as I worry she will wake my 9mo too.

Coupled with this she has also been howling and clinging to my leg everytime I drop her at childcare even though she has happily gone there for almost 2 years. She is always happy when I pick her up and the childminder says she is fine within minutes of me leaving.

She is also demanding to be carried all the time and always wants to sit on my lap esepcially at meal times.

She seemed to have adjusted well to her sister and does get tons of attention on the days she is at home with me.

Anyway the night wakings are getting to me (espec as baby is often up for the day at 0530) and it is really upsetting to leave her howling at the childminders so I really want reassurance she will settle, and or tips on things I could do differently.

[Carrie]

My twins did the same at about her age -every time they woke in the night they would call out to me - after some weeks of getting up and trying to get them back to sleep I just mentioned to them one evening, at bath time, that if it was still dark when they woke up they could just go back to sleep without calling for me - it did not seem to have occured to them that they could do this, they seemed to think that they needed to let me know if they were awake! The problem was solved, I could not believe it was that easy! Can't guarantee that it will work for you but it is worth a try.

[Saila]

My son started waking up early (due to hearing my other son who was ill at the time with a nasty cough)

He has always been an excellent sleeper

I have zero bandwidth/tolerance for lack of sleep and started a reward chart..

He would get a star if he stayed in bed until we let him get up

At first he asked 'is it getting up time' for about an hour each day (every 5 mins)

Then after about a week, he stopped and we're back to 7am starts

After ten stars - he gets a treat (going to the farm and having a chocolate brownie)

[Saffron]

Sounds like she could be going through a developmental leap, since she's needing more attention during the day too.

[JBoylen]

My two year old is going through the EXACT same thing as yours bobby's bear. It's great to hear the reassurance from other and to know we are not the only one in this phase right now.

[RoLo1]

My daughter responds really well to the Gro-Clock, knows it's bedtime and to call mama when the sun comes up (I set it for 7.45!). I am amazed she responded so well to it, her brother isn't quite so interested in waiting til then, but they are v different. Definitely recommend it - may be one going on the forum... Good luck!