1 Year Old Who Doesn't Sleep - Separation Anxiety?

Hi P.,

My son is 18 months and has been back and forth with his sleep routine. Teething was/is definately a contributor. He typically sleeps through the night in his crib, often waking around midnight needing a diaper change but I can get him back down quickly. He really has been a trooper through the teething process but every so often we knew he was in pain and Tylenol for Children seemed to give him relief, I did not use this option often but maybe offer a cold teether when he wakes. If my son needs to be snuggled and has an evening that he just cannot go back to sleep, we let him sleep with us. This does not seem to be an every evening situation and I am happy to be there to soothe him. It's a phase. You are doing great and know things will be better when those teeth come in. Do you keep a sound machine or a cool mist humidifier or maybe music playing softly in his room? This helps my son. Good luck to you.

Hi P.,

I have an 18 month old who just went through this the past couple of weeks. My husband and I thought it was possibly another ear infection and even took him to the doctor. Well, it ended up being separation anxiety. We did the cry out one night (about an hour of him crying when we put him to bed). He finally went to sleep and only woke up once more during the night. Since then we haven't had any problems. So far so good. I know it's hard but I would definitely suggest at least trying it. And I would recommend not going in...it was worse for my son when I would go in for a few minutes and "try" to calm him down.

Good luck!

I went though the same thing with my youngest child! Oh it was such a terrible time because he was in the middle of us and he would toss and turn! But we did nip it in the bud but with the teeth coming in, I am sure he is in some pain. Because I have 3 children my 1st suggestion is to give him some Motrin that is appropriate for babies his age and weight. That will help him sleep for at least 6 - 8 hours and it will give you a chance to get a good night sleep. Not sure if you feel comfortable with the idea but it may help.

As my mother-in-law always states "this to shall pass" and he will get back into his routine. It will seem like forever but it will happen!

Good luck.

Hi P.. Is your son drinking milk yet. My 1 yr old did the same thing and it turned out that he just couldnt stomach cow's milk and he's allergic to soy but now that he's drinking rice milk he's again sleeping like he used to.

hi,
situations like this will continue off and on for years to come. Even at age 6 my daughter had some occasions where she would wake and want to sleep with us. (she's almost 8 and it's gotten better this last yr) Do what ever is nec. for you and he to catch some z's and just keep putting him to bed as usual. Many times my 4 yr. old has slept with me for the last few hours of the "night" just so that we can catch those few extra z's.
As far as napping, he may feel like he's missing something? It could be the teeth? Maybe the room is too bright?

Good luck,
wish I had better answers.
H.