NCSS for Toddlers - But he doesn't nurse to sleep

[zoe77]

I was re-reading the NCSS for Toddlers to try and get some ideas to help my 2 year old wake less frequently. It seems all the advice for nursing toddlers is that they wake up through the night because they nurse to sleep and therefore need to nurse back to sleep every time they wake. Well my son DOESN'T nurse to sleep. He nurses and then I lay him in his bed while he is still awake. I cover him up, say goodnight, and when I leave the room he is still awake. He then falls asleep on his own. Bedtime is super smooth, we have no problems there. He then proceeds to wake anywhere from 2-4 times a night to nurse. So what gives? I know every child is different, but why do all the "sleep books" claim that if you don't nurse your child to sleep then they won't need to nurse when they wake at night?

I'm not sure if there is really any answer out there, I guess I just needed to vent a little.

I've debated nightweaning but I'm terrified of going through all that trouble for him to still wake at night. He is usually really easy to put back down, but it's just tiring being woken so many times at night and it's been 2 years. I know, I know, it could be so much worse . . .

Anyone nightwean a child this age? I read somewhere that it's pretty easy to nightwean before 18 months and after around 2.5, but anywhere inbetween is pretty hard. He also doesn't have his 2 year molars yet. I keep hoping that once the molars come in the night waking will stop. I guess I need something to look forward to

Thanks for "listening" . . . .