Hi Mamas! I have a 20 month old son who recently started screaming every time I put him to bed (naptime and bedtime). Prior to this, he was a good sleeper--I always put him in his crib wide awake and would put himself to sleep. Now, as soon as I put him in the crib he starts to scream. If I lay on the floor in his bedroom, he'll eventually stop crying and fall asleep, but when he wakes up and sees that I'm not there, he's not happy. I've tried rocking him to sleep as well, but as soon as I lay him in his crib, awake or asleep, he clenches onto me and starts screaming. I took him to the doctor to make sure he didn't have an ear infection that was causing him pain and he was 100% healthy. So, I'm wondering if any of you have experienced this and if you have any tricks to help bedtimes go a little smoother. Thanks in advance for your help!
Separation anxiety, is manifested at different ages in different ways.
It will pass.
Or is he teething ? When babies/kids do not feel well, the get more clingy.
Is he getting his molars? When my son got those, it was 1 month of hell. I think the worst thing to do is to just let him cry. He is feeling insecure for whatever reason, even if its just that he misses him mom. Try giving him something on his gums or some motrin and see if it helps. Also, make sure he is really tired, could be time to go to one nap. Maybe he can sleep in your room for a little while until he feels more reassured. Does he have a nightlight and a lovie?
My daughter did this, too. Turns out, she was afraid if the dark! We got her a night light and this turtle thing that makes stars on the ceiling- great ever since (29 months now and in a big girl bed!)
I would let him cry it out, that what i do with my 2yr old neice. The first time I layed her in the pack in play she screamed for about 30 min, and i did not stay in the room, after each time she got better and better without screaming, she may whine just a little but eventually falls asleep:)
