Toddler sleeping - CIO?

My 2 year old hasn't been sleeping well (my fault) - I've let him fall asleep on the couch or in my bed with me for a few months (my personal issues to blame).

Anyway - yesterday he was up until almost 10:00.

I decided enough was enough.

Today I read him a story, brushed teeth, got him set up for bed and let him CIO.

It took about 20 mins but I think he's asleep. Hope this works.

Is it too late to try CIO? How many nights do you think it will take?

Please wish me luck...I'm getting tired.~TIA

Re: Toddler sleeping - CIO?

nope not too late to do CIO. and 20 minutes is actually pretty good believe it or not. I bet after 3 nights, he'll be fine.

Re: Toddler sleeping - CIO?

I am going to start CIO with my 2 1/2 year old again....it is sooo hard, but I agree, 3 is the magic number....it just takes a lot of will power to get to that 3...invest in ear plugs (J/K)

Re: Toddler sleeping - CIO?

Re: Toddler sleeping - CIO?

My biggest recommendation is to make a routine and then STICK TO IT. Madelyn my 2.5 year old started fighting bedtime like crazy a few months ago. The pediatrician recommended making a routine and never deviating from it. I couldn't believe it, but it WORKED.

Our routine is:
"Naked time" and potty (yes, I allow my toddler to run around naked in her room)
diaper/pjs
brush teeth
books
bed (we say goodnight to specific items in her room, the world, then each other)

Now, during the routine I'll say things like, "What do we do after 'brushing teeth'?" and she'll very happily go turn on the reading light by her glider and say, "Read books!". During books I;ll say, "What do we do after books?" and she'll point to her bed and say, "BED!"

This was a kid who would SCREAM as soon as we started putting pjs on! We still have nights sometimes where she fusses, but once reminded of the routine she usually complies.