We Moved to a New House, 19 Month Old Refuses to Nap! HELP!

Well, unfortunately you kinda messed up by taking him out after a while. Now you have a situation where he's going to cry and cry for a long time because he's made the realization that you have come in when he screams. So, the best thing to do is to lay him down, tell him you love him and you'll see him when he wakes up. Walk out and let him cry it out. If the crying is really bothering you, shut his door, he'll be fine. Put a fan in the hall outside his door to help with the noise. You have to retrain him that when he is put into his crib, it's time for him to sleep. The first day is going to be HARD because of the fact that you've given in and gone in and taken him out. The second day will be hard to, but by the third day, he will be doing a lot better. Remember when you are letting him cry it out that kids NEED sleep. He may not like it, but after he realizes that you're not coming back in until he sleeps, he'll start getting those much needed naps in again, and be a much happier baby throughout the day because he won't be so tired!

Your son is unfamiliar with his new environment so naturally he will freak out, the new room may seem like a strange place to him even though everything else (i.e. toys, bedding, decor) is familiar. Have you attempted to rock him to sleep before placing him in his bed? Maybe turn on some soft music?

Sometimes you just have to let him cry himself to sleep. Esp when he knows that by his screaming he's able to convince you to come running in to rescue him.

I have experienced this with all my kids at some point in time. With my husband's job we move often so adjustment time can be a hassle at times.

H.,

My daughter just went thru this exact thing with my grandson. Her pediatrician recommended melatonin. Its a sleep aid for children. She used it for just about 2 weeks, and then he was used to his surroundings and was sleeping normal again. I am not an advocate for medicating children, however my girlfriend used this for her 3 yr daughter about 8 years ago. And it worked like a charm. Check with your pediatrician first. Get their advice before trying. Its a simple solution and usually is only temporary. As I said my daughter used it for almost 2 weeks, then Ethan was sleeping his normal nap and bedtimes. My girlfriend used it for almost 6 months before her daughter started sleeping at night again.

Good luck, and congratulation on your new home and your new addition. :)

In your situation I can see why your child is cring. He is in a new atmosphere. Though he is only 19 mos old he still know s that he is not in his old room. I think that you should go in his room with him until he falls asleep. I would do that for at least a week or 2 because he needs to know that he is safe. When you are not in a filmular place you are always wondering what the surroundings are like. For a child it is very hard sometimes to get them to cope with change. IF you are in the room with him he will feel at peace. He will know that it is safe.
we can also pray about this... Jesus I pray Lord for Heathers son that you would surround him with your angels. I pray that you would protect him and keep him safe. Help him not to be afraid. I pray that you would calm his spirit so that he will sleep well. I pray that you would give H. wisdom to know what to do to help her son feel safe and comfortable. I thank you Jesus that my prayer is answered. In Jesus name I pray amen.

This isn't the "perfect" solution but it works for me. I have a 20 month old and at nap time I turn the TV on in his room for him. He is usually out in 15 minutes at most. If he's interested in TV and if you think it's OK give it a try!
At night we turn on a radio of a sleepy time mix my husband made for the boys.

We just moved two weeks ago also. We have a 17 month old son, and are expecting our daughter in June. The very first night here, was a breeze. He went right to bed, and slept in the next day! Then the horror started. He refused his naps, and would not go to bed. My child, who had a very strict bedtime routine at our old place, didnt anymore. He would fall asleep in his high chair, and we would carry him up (he was obviously tired) but the moment we layed him down, he screamed. It broke my heart, but I had to do something. So I let him scream. He would throw his blankets, bottle and stuffed animals out onto the floor. he would even take off his clothes (obviously forcing me to go redress him for fear he would get cold.) then he eventually would just cry, and soon he would accept the fact that even though mommy would come in and check on him, this was just like the old house, and she would not get him back up. I hope my story helped you.

Well, he could be at the age where he wants to give up one of his naps and the change of environment may have just been the trigger. Letting him cry it out is hard on him and hard on you, especially since you are pregnant. Once in a while, my son doesn't want to nap either, so I let him play. We have a big play yard set up in our living room where I put him. I watch him get more tired and tired. Eventually, he will lay his head down in the play pen and go to sleep. Sometimes, I just let him sleep in the play pen and sometimes I carry him to his crib. For me, it is worth it to let him play and put himself to sleep in the play pen than trying to get him to sleep in his crib when he throws a fit. You may want to try that. Or maybe he can nap with you for a while until he gets used to his surroundings? I have even slept with my son on the floor before when he refuses his crib...

Several months ago we moved our sons crib to an opposite wall. Oh my gosh, you would think that we were trying to pull his toes off the way he screamed. Anyway, I just wondered if maybe your crib or youth bed is facing a different direction? I won't swear to it but this could help. It really is the only thing I can think of. If it makes you feel any better, my son did eventually get use to sleeping against the other wall. It just took some time. Good luck! Shannon

He just needs time to adjust. It's not been that long. When we moved out of the only home my 5 year old knew, he wouldn't sleep in his own room for over a week. He slept with us. Since it seems like night-time isn't going too terrible bad, would it be so bad for both of you to nap together, especially since it sounds like you need the rest also. My daughter is not the best napper, either. I simply let her fall asleep with me in the living room. I can then simply lay her on the floor or sofa & get almost 2 hours from her. Also, could be possibly time to cut out the nap & try "quiet time"? Just some ideas.