Why won't 10.5mo dd settle at night anymore? She is still fine for daytime naps. PLEEEAASE help!

[hungriesthippo]

Please could anyone shed any light on my dd's sleep issues? She has 2 daytime sleeps and will settle for these pretty quickly. She has a quick cuddle and then is usually asleep within 5 minutes. We returned from the US (we were there for a 2 week holiday) nearly 2 weeks ago and since then, she has been a nightmare in the evenings. She always needs to be cuddled or stroked to sleep. DH or I have to creep out of the room otherwise she screams again. After getting her to sleep in this manner, she then wakes up about half an hour later. It then takes a further 30 mins sometimes to get her back to sleep. A few nights ago, we left her to cry for long periods but this really didn't work. She seems to need us there so that she can get to sleep. We just can't work out why she struggles so much at night when she is fine for naps. Has anyone else experienced this? Any good strategies to get things back on track?

[poodlepusher]

I think this may be the age they start trying things on. I can't remember when my DS did it but he suddenly went from wonder baby sleeper boy to needing a lot of fuss. I think if you have a routine which has milk, story, cuddles, tuck down in it - then stick with it. If you don't have one, maybe its time to start one?

[hungriesthippo]

poodlepusher- we have a routine like you say. That is why I'm so flummoxed as to all the crying she's doing in the evening. What do you mean by stick with it- leave her to cry or stay with her? Maybe she is still jetlagged as we now have to wake her if it's getting on for 8am. Seems a long time for jetlag to be lasting though (10 days ago).

[hungriesthippo]

Bump

[poodlepusher]

sorry I've been away. When I say stick with it, I mean if the crying starts, then just carry on as kindly as possible, to your routine as if to say "its okay, don't worry and this familiar routine will help you sleep" - if that makes sense?

I agree though, I think jetlag has probably thrown her. It can take some people a few weeks to get back in sync - and I have no idea how babies deal with it.

The thing to remember is that its probably a phase that will pass and to try not to let yourself get anxious about it.