2 year old cries and throws up at bedtime

My 2 year old has always been an amazing sleeper. No sleep issues since she was like 4 months old. But this week, when I am almost 34 weeks pregnant with twins, she decided she was going to scream when we put her to bed. I thought she was scared of something but think she just wants to sleep on dada right now. That's what she asks for. We would let her "Cry it Out" since that has worked after travel or sickness, but she throws up. Not only is the barf gross, but she gets so upset. We have to go in there and clean her and the room up. But then we're stuck. We keep going in there and I feel like this is turning into a bad routine. I want to kick this so badly since the twins are going to arrive soon and my sleep situation is already horrible. Tips? Oh, she is in a crib, not bed, which makes it easier (I think) since she is not coming into our room.

Lanie

 

I wonder if it's time to introduce a "big girl bed"? Maybe take her window shopping and tell her that as soon as she goes to bed like a big girl, she can buy a new bed? Show her the sheet/comforter sets etc. Maybe she'll look forward to that and make for a better routine? Just a thought!

 

QUOTE(Overachiever @ Oct 8 2007, 08:53 AM) [snapback]440714[/snapback]
I wonder if it's time to introduce a "big girl bed"? Maybe take her window shopping and tell her that as soon as she goes to bed like a big girl, she can buy a new bed? Show her the sheet/comforter sets etc. Maybe she'll look forward to that and make for a better routine? Just a thought!

You know, I was wondering about the toddler bed since we do have one in the garage. We were going to wait until about 4 months after the twins were born since that what I read. I guess I am just scared she'll be getting out of her bed all night...at least in the crib she has to stay there. I also was worried that it was too soon to the babies arriving. Is that too much transition before the babies? I know there is no answer for every child so I will keep it on the back burner as we slowly use up options.

Lanie

 

QUOTE
My 2 year old has always been an amazing sleeper. No sleep issues since she was like 4 months old. But this week, when I am almost 34 weeks pregnant with twins, she decided she was going to scream when we put her to bed. I thought she was scared of something but think she just wants to sleep on dada right now. That's what she asks for.

Maybe it's a reaction to your pregnancy/realising that the babies are nearly here.
Have you considered sitting in the room with her? Seeing as she is asking to sleep "on dada" he could try sitting on the floor next to her cot, perhaps even putting an arm through the bars to pat or rub her back. Hopefully that would keep her calm enough that she doesn't throw up. He (or you) should stay there until she falls asleep without talking to or making eye contact with her. If it works you can gradually move away from the cot until you are sitting outside the door, then stop altogether.

I would be hesitant to move her to a bed in case that adds to the problem by giving her the freedom to get up, but like you said every child is different. If you think she'd respond well to the 'reward' of having a big bed then you could try it.

 

My son is a throw-up-er. Once he gets upset and is crying... he easily throws-up.

I wouldn't change your daughter's crib to a toddler bed right now. I'd stick to the routine you have and try hard to continue the same routine once your twins arrive (you'll need help from dh for sure).

Maybe you can got shopping with your daughter for a special blanket or stuffed animal that she can use as a sleep aid? Maybe at the same time she can help you buy a special something for the twins... and that might change her possible resistance to the idea of new siblings.

Know that this too shall pass... that's my mantra when things get tough.

Good luck.

 

Thank you for all the feedback. I just wanted to update that I tried to give her "dada's pillow" to sleep with last night in her crib and both a treat and a piece of "dada" security. It totally worked. She was really excited to have his pillow and went to sleep without a peep. Now, who knows if that will work again tonight, but I was amazed it worked so well last night. I guess you just never know. I also think she sensed our resolve. We were definitely ready to deal with this straightaway since we can't have her being hysterical at night when twins are about to arrive.

Lanie

 

my son did that and he did really good in a big bed.

he also wanted something that was close to me..

i gave him my bunny.. he does just fine

good luck
m

 

QUOTE
I just wanted to update that I tried to give her "dada's pillow" to sleep with last night in her crib and both a treat and a piece of "dada" security. It totally worked. She was really excited to have his pillow and went to sleep without a peep. Now, who knows if that will work again tonight, but I was amazed it worked so well last night.

I never would have thought of that! How great that it worked so well, I hope it continues. Just a thought that if it does you might want to keep switching over the pillow she is sleeping on with the one her dad is using, so that the "dada" smell doesn't wear off.