These are some amazing tips.
Anonymous wrote:I feel your pain because we deal with similar issues at that age. Here are some things to try.
1. A bedtime snack. We always do graham crackers (however much he wants) in the 15 min before bed while doing stories. That way at least it is less likely the wake up later is due to hunger. We also keep a cup of water by his bed so he can get a drink if thirsty, same reasoning.
2. Double diaper if you need to or try a night time diaper. Again, it might be that the wake-up is due to a wet diaper, and if you do this you won't have to wonder.
3. Get an OK to wake clock from Amazon and teach your child how it works. "You can make noise when the orange light comes on but not before." Start it out really early, like if she is waking at 5:30 regularly, just set it for 5:35. BUT DO NOT COME IN UNTIL 5:35. Move it up about five minutes each day until you get to your desired time and do NOT come in until that time. That way there is not a long period of CIO, but just enough so she gets the connection about when you will and won't come in.
4. Stickers in the morning to reinforce successes. You might have to have a generous definition of success for the first couple days, but she will get it. Really talk it up. "And when I come in to get you when the orange light comes on, you can have a sticker. But before then, you need to go back to sleep." A 2.5 is old enough to get the concept.
5. A lovey if she doesn't have one and talk it up. "When mommy and daddy aren't here, you give Bear a hug and wait for the orange light to come on."
6. Black out shades if she doesn't have them.
7. White noise machine in case it's a bird or something that's waking her up.
8. I wouldn't give up on the nap connection. I found for a long period around this age that a nap longer than 90 minutes did lead to earlier wake ups. There was a real difference for us between a 1.5 hour nap and a 2 hour nap in terms of morning waking. So keep an eye on that.
9. Accept that you may not get to your perfect time of 7 am or whatever, but it can probably get better and you may need to meet her in the middle (6:30 or whatever).
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