"I'm thirsty!" "I need to go to the bathroom!" "I'm scared of the dark!" Are these announcements part of your family's "post-bedtime" routine? Or does your child slip into slumber peacefully, only to awaken hours later, searching the house for Mom and Dad? Perhaps sleeping in a new bed, night terrors or sleep apnea keep your toddler (and you!) up at night? If so, here are some tips to trade the nighttime toddler intrusion into eight hours of much needed rest.

Christina Denis, from Miami, Fla., is no stranger to footsteps after bedtime. Her 3-year-old son wanders from his bed soon after the books are read and the lights turned off. "He will come out of his room saying 'I have something to tell you' or 'I want to give you a hug'," says Denis. Who can resist one more hug and kiss from their 3-year-old?

When a child has a difficult time falling asleep, Dr. Andrea McCoy, director of Temple Pediatric Care at Temple University Children's Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pa., suggests using a transition object, such as a stuffed animal or blanket. This item is not for daytime play, but should be kept in the crib until bedtime. "Your child needs to associate this object with going to sleep," says Dr. McCoy.

Often, children fear "monsters" lurking in the closet or under the bed. Dr. McCoy suggests the children sleep with a small flashlight or arm themselves with an empty spray bottle to ease their anxiety.

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