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Help - change in sleep patterns for 18 month old

3 replies

thecatspjs · 12/05/2009 15:35

Hi - hoping that someone can help me. I've been lurking on the site for some time now, but this is my first post. My 18 month old has been sleeping well for nearly 9 months (we did a couple days of gradual retreat/controlled crying when he was about 8 months old which worked well and he has even been asking to go to bed for the last few months). However, in the last ten days he has started to refuse to go into his cot awake and if he wakes in the night he screams for me or my husband. We did try controlled crying again, but lasted for about 10 minutes a week ago and he got so beside himself that he threw up. Subsequently I am not keen on trying that again! Also I find it much more stressful since he can call out for us and he sounds so distressed that neither me or DH can leave him in his cot. We have been rocking him to sleep and then putting him in his cot and if he wakes in the night, he has been coming in with us (with then either me or DH decamping to the sofa bed as there is not enough room for all three in our double bed). Any suggestions as to why this is happening, and does any one have experience of this reversing itself? There isn't any obvious physical reason for the change. Also, does it REALLY matter if we just go with the flow and co-sleep until he is keen to go back in his own room? I suppose I am just looking for reassurance if any one has any.

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ches · 13/05/2009 05:28

There could be a few reasons... teething (molars) causing pain, being frustrated by being in the cot, or a kind of second separation anxiety. It's not really written about anywhere, but definitely most mums I've spoken to said their LO went through a second bout of separation anxiety between 18 and 24 months.

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littleboyblue · 13/05/2009 05:43

My ds1 is 21 months and is doing this. I've been doing the gradual withdraw from him, but now he's screaming even when I'm in the room! I don't really know what to do about it now

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FizzyLiz · 21/05/2009 12:21

Glad its not just me! DS 22months has been in a bed for last four months, loves it and sleeps through no problems. Has very suddenly become very distressed at going to bed unless me or DH stays at his door, and is waking in night again. Have read that separation anxiety occurs again at 2 ish yrs old. We're trying gradual withdrawal as so far prevents tears, friend of mine (3 kids under 3 and used to be nanny) assures me its a phase and to just go with it - ??!!! good luck

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