My 28 mths woke up in the middle of the night and started coughing badly and gagging for an hour or so and finally fell back to sleep again. This happens almost everynight and she did not cough during daytime. Why is this so?

It could be a backflow of saliva or mucus if ur toddler is having a cold. My toddler used to wake up coughing and cry. I rubbed some vicks on his back and chest and he is able to sleep better. I think if it persists, you have to see pd for advice.