18 Month Old Nap & Sleep Issues

Well,J., it has been said here to stop rocking him to sleep. I agree, but I also think that you should do the change smoothly. Music is a good advice.Just be careful not to make him too attached to anything. I know children that grew up and still can't sleep without their fave teddy bear when 11 years old! Too much I think. My mother taught me something that works with my 18 month old: Put a piece of the clothing you are wearing when you put him to sleep. Your smell helps to confort him. That might be why your husband's been luckier in putting him in the crib. Good luck!

At 18 months he really needs to fall asleep on his own. Put him in the crib with his favorite blanket/stuffed animal or anything else that comforts him, and maybe a sippy cup so his throat doesn't get too dry while crying, but he needs to cry it out.

This will be harder for you than it is for him.

Stop rocking him to sleep... he NEEDS to learn to soothe himself to sleep... I only ever rocked my kids to sleep when they were sick. Even as infants I put them down when groggy, but not asleep... Now they have no problem going to sleep. Make a routine for him... ie. bath, then a story, kisses and hugs, then into bed. It will be hard at first, but he will get used to it. Good Luck!

Hi J.,
I think it is is very good that you have already gone through the cry it out stage for him to go back to sleep during the night on his own. I had to do it for my son, now 8, and it broke my heart, then again with my youngest daughter, now 2 1/2, and we still have to do it occassionally (still breaking my heart everytime).
Now, it may be time to do it for naptime also. And sorry to say, he may be getting a little old for rocking. I know that is enjoyable for both of you, but it has to stop sometime, maybe that time is now?
I would keep rocking for now and see if he will cry it out to go to sleep, when that is under control, then start cutting out the rocking by doing it for shorter periods (5 - 10 min), and putting him in his crib while he's still awake.
Or perhaps music, or the nature sounds (they are very relaxing), something to keep him company? I used to use them for my youngest when we were away from home for a couple months when she was an infant.
She had a Fisher-Price water thing (at home) with swimming fish, music box, and night light. We never used the nightlight, but the music was on every time she was in her crib. The music lasts about 10 minutes, has a volume knob, 2 songs, and nature sounds. She used to turn it on herself (push button) by the time she was a year old, if she was still awake when it shut off. She used that until about 2 months ago, when I decided not to put any more batteries into it.
good luck, and I hope this helps at least a little. : )

J.,

That's a little after the age my son decided rocking was no longer for him. It started with not being able to be put down.

When you rock him: is his torso slightly upright? (look in the mirror). He may have reflux issues (my son did/still does but not at night) and THAT may be waking him. (not telling you to get meds, just that that might be the issue.)

If he is under 36# and you have a bit of change - you might consider getting him a baby hammock. You can rock him and he'll fall asleep cradled just like your arms - but it has a 5 point harness.

Good luck,
M.