Anyone CIO with a toddler (21-27 month old-ish)

DS just turned 2 (24 months). For the last 2 months bedtime has become increasingly difficult. It's at the point where he cries when we put him to bed, sometimes even before he's in the crib. Our bedtime routine has not changed much.

We let him cry a while but he won't fall asleep. Finally we give in and go up there and if he's cried long enough he'll fall asleep quickly in either DH's or my arms.

He is also waking up at night. Sometimes more than once. He wants to be rocked back to sleep. Sometimes it takes over an hour for him to fall back to asleep, sometimes 5 minutes.

Naps however are NOT a problem. Goes down for his nap easily. No soothing required. I put him in there, tell him it's time to rest and close the door. Sleeps for 2-2.5 hours.

We have never CIO and I always said I couldn't do it but it has gotten so bad that I think we are going to have to, starting Friday. I worry that he's not sleeping enough since he rarely goes to sleep before 9:30 anymore due to the crying/rocking. We don't know what to do anymore.

So, if you've CIO with a toddler, tell me how it went. Did it work? What's the longest your DC cried. Tips? Anything.

Re: Anyone CIO with a toddler (21-27 month old-ish)

we've done it many times!!!!

We just did it a week and a half ago because of my sons stalling all the time. Then he would cry so you come up and he'd tell you "i don't want that book anymore." Then he'd cry again and tell you "mommy i don't want the blanket on." The list goes on. Then he'd throw everything out of his crib. After you sit down for the night (finally), the last thing you want to do is go back upstairs 4 times.

This past time, he cried for 20 minutes. Not full on cry. His phony cry. The next night was 10 minutes. Then 5 minutes the 3rd night.

We also created a sticker rewards chart. That works well.

We also took everything out of his crib and told him until he starts going to bed nicely and quietly, he won't get them back. He had to earn them back.

Advice- he's playing you! Stop going in. It will only get worse (BTDT).

Re: Anyone CIO with a toddler (21-27 month old-ish)

We did a variation of it. Had to movehis bedroom, which was awkward for him. So we did the ferber thing (3,5,7mins) and it took about 15 minutes the 1st night, 5 the next, and 5 the next. Back on target in three nights. But he's 20 months.

Re: Anyone CIO with a toddler (21-27 month old-ish)

We've had to do CIO a bunch of times since we started at 8 months. After bouts of sickness, after life changes...etc.

With my kids I know that going in makes things 10X worse so once they are in their beds we don't go back in.

With my almost 4yo if she is hysterical (which is extremely rare) I will go in once and try to reason with her. Most times we can convince her to lie down quietly and she goes to sleep.

Luckily my kids never cried for extended lengths of time. I think the most was prob 20mins.

We do our normal bedtime routine. Say our goodnights and give kisses and hugs and then we leave. Usually my kids will cry for no more than 2 nights before they understand we're not coming back in.

Re: Anyone CIO with a toddler (21-27 month old-ish)

I started CIO when Ian was 13 months. It was a lifesaver! throughout the year I've had to do it once in awhile when he goes off schedule. Just 2 weeks ago he refused to go to sleep until 8:30 so I did CIO again and he's back on schedule. I found the intervals don't work for him...he just goes nuts if he sees me.

Re: Anyone CIO with a toddler (21-27 month old-ish)

Bumping for the afternoon.

I need more stories to give me strength.

Re: Anyone CIO with a toddler (21-27 month old-ish)

has anyone cio with a toddler who is no longer in the crib?