I have an effective technique for getting children to sleep through the night. Give yourself a week, but you should see results in three nights. Before starting, be sure that your child isn't waking because he's unwell. On the first night, when he wakes, go in, don't put a light on and place your hand on his body, saying something reassuring such as, 'It's time for sleep now.' Don't engage in conversation or make eye contact.
The second night, re-settle him and leave. On the third night, go to the doorway but not into the room. After this, don't go in at all. Children over one are harder to sleep train, but it's never too late. There may be tears, but it works. A few nights of crying is a lot better than years with a child who won't sleep.
Malika Bouyazra, a night nanny with the Sleeping Babies Maternity and Night Nursing service (www.sleepingbabies.co.uk)
Read more of our tips and features on putting an end to those sleepless nights:
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- The sleep rules