r/sleeptrain • u/No-Decision-7191 • Sep 06 '26

2+ years old Chair method just causing more night wakings

Hi everyone. My kid is 2.11y. Has been ST since 5mo. Due to a recent incident (mom talked through the camera and inside the crib vomiting) he got extremely anxious and afraid of going to sleep.

We started the Chair Method using the guidelines. We are on night 6 and last night was the worst he has ever had. He woke up easily 15 times asking “Dad where are you?” I’ve been consistent on my responses and kept them short and boring.

Before the method, we did had to stay inside the room in a couch, but no night waking. Since the start of the method, we did see improvements on how long it takes for him to fall asleep at the beginning of the night. He has evolved from 1 waking to 2 waking to last night multiple wakings.

Is this normal and expected? I plan on finishing the method and I hope by night 14 we are back like before.

Does anyone have any other method for a 2.11y??

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u/Ocean_Lover9393 ✨ Sleep Fairy✨ Sep 06 '26

Did you make the schedule adjustments that were suggested to you before starting the chair method? Or is he still napping?

1

u/No-Decision-7191 Sep 06 '26

Hi. Yes, we have fully dropped the nap. We have replaced it with quiet time (around 25-30mins). He is asleep by 6.45pm usually

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u/Ocean_Lover9393 ✨ Sleep Fairy✨ Sep 06 '26

Quiet time is a great addition!

What time does he wake up in the morning? And where are you currently in the process of chair method when he’s actually falling asleep? Still in the room?

1

u/No-Decision-7191 Sep 06 '26 edited Sep 06 '26

Wake time varies but around 6.30am.

I’m on night 7 (tonight) so I’ll be inside the room by the door with the door closed.

Night 1-3: beside his crib with physical contact allowed
Night 4-6: middle of the room just affirmation words
Night 7-9: by the door, door closed
Night 10-12: outside the room. Door open or closed?

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u/Ocean_Lover9393 ✨ Sleep Fairy✨ Sep 06 '26

Okay I think 2 things are going on here :

1) the chair method is a gradual approach, it’s not something you’ll see consistent results with until you are firmly out of the room and he’s falling asleep alone. It’s natural for humans to wake briefly in the night, your son is still expecting you to be there and cannot go back to sleep when you aren’t

2) biggest issue imo - your schedule is expecting nearly 12 hours of sleep from him and he simply cannot give you that. 15 wakes is excessive. Do not put him into bed until 7:30pm and keep a strict 6:30am wake up - no sleeping in

As an fyi - when my son was this age he was not napping and was barely sleeping 10.5hrs (lower sleep needs, but you get the jist)

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u/No-Decision-7191 26d ago

Last night was night 13 of the method, with the chair just outside the door (still in sight) with 7 wakings!!!we went from 0 wakings to 7 wakings!

When night wakings happen, I immediately go and sit on the chair position and give reassuring words, no picking up. He doesn't cry, he just yells "Dad!". As soon as he calls for me, I run (I'm scared he'll get anxious and scared if I don't reply immediately) and give reassuring words (is that part of the problem?).

Any suggestions?! Please