Almost 2-Year Old Suddenly Hysterical at Bedtime

Maybe he's just going through separation anxiety? Do you read a story before nap? I know that helps my little guy. It makes the transition slower and we get a cuddle in while we're reading. I would maybe see if you can get him to use a specific lovie or something that might help calm his nerves. I know he's still young yet, but maybe have him pick out something from the store and tell him it's his special nap/night time animal.

If he isn't really napping then yes, I'd move his bed time up, at least for right now and if he goes back to napping then go back to 8pm. But, if he's overtired that will exacerbate the crying and whining and fighting sleep and will just make it all worse! I'd say if he doesn't nap, go for 7:30 at the latest. I do agree with you that you don't want to get in the habit of sitting in his room with him each time.

Good luck, this is a tough one!

At this age a lot of babies just want to be wherever Mama is and they want to be where family is they don't want to be separated. He may be going to through some issues that you're not aware of, like teething. Maybe try putting him to bed a little later but it probably won't help.

Be patient and set the stage for sleeping. Have a pleasant, peaceful routine of soft singing and such.

How about trying a night light. When my son was hospitalized it took a long time for him to get back to routine. He was very afraid to sleep alone but a night light helped alot. Also, are his molars coming in? Good luck. It can be tough

Sounds like he experienced a nightmare or something that set off such alarm and fear at the mention of bedtime. Perhaps he saw a movie he shouldn't have or heard something scary on the news. Even more so, because he wants someone in the room regardless of the hour. Cuddle with him, not at bedtime, perhaps during a special mommy baby time, make it clear it is not bedtime or naptime, you just want to sit with him......read him a story, make him feel at ease and begin to ask gently, "why are you so afraid of bedtime" and give him time to respond . Pending that response, continue with "what do you think we can do about you being so scared"....a nightlight, a teddybear? Fisher Price makes a Soothe and Glow Seahorse. He can go to bed hugging the night light. Check Toys R Us for it. They also carry a Turtle by Cloud B that shines the constellations off his back onto the ceiling. I think once you address the problem with him and find the solution with him, he will feel better about bedtime. It helps when they are this frightened, to hold their hand through it instead of getting frustrated. Taking him to toys r us to pick out his nightlight will be a big hit. Good luck.

I would find him a lovey or give him an old sweatshirt of yours (maybe hug it and tell him that he gets to sleep with a hug all night). You could even stuff the arms of the shirt and sew off the openings for a real "hug" feel. I would gently encourage him to sleep on his own. If you feel you must sit with him, do so in an non-interactive way. Sit away from the crib. Sit with your back to him. If he gets out, silently put him back in his crib. I did some of this with my DD and I also sat in her doorway for a specified number of minutes. Now she goes to bed with her favorite pillow, blanket, and bear and gets the light on til I go to bed (long before which she is usually out). She has become afraid of the dark so I leave a nightlight on in case she wakes up at night. I think it is a phase you can get past.

2 yrs old is about when they can start having nightmares.
It's when monsters under the bed or in the closet start up.
They are making cognitive leaps and their imaginations don't shut off when they sleep.
It's a really common phase, but it can last awhile.