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14 mo - bedtime is playtime! Any advice appreciated...

5 replies

nosferartifartu · 13/10/2009 21:00

Until recently, DS (14 mo) had an evening BF and then went to sleep at about 7.30pm. He didn't always feed to sleep and often didn't want to feed at all, but went to sleep happily. He's always gone down for a nap fine without BFing.

Now, however, bedtime has become playtime! I thought it might be separation anxiety, as it started off with him jumping up and crying when I left the room but now he just seems to crawl and roll about gurgling and squeaking. I sit outside on the stairs and he's fine for a few minutes and then stands up to see where I am and starts whinging. I have been going back in and lying him back down but it seems to be getting worse - over an hour tonight, including an unprecedented poo! Instead of asleep at 7.30, tonight was nearly 8.30.

There's a lot going on with him at the moment - walking, teething, a slight cold, in the process of dropping a nap. I don't think he's getting too much sleep. He always wakes before 6.30am and generally naps for about 2-2.5 hours (settling for naps has now got bad as well).

He has a bath at 7 and then story and cuddle and down by 7.20. Would it help if I started all this earlier? And should I keep with my strategy of leaving him to it until he stands up?

I know this isn't the worse sleep problem ever but my DP works late and I have no time to prepare food for us now(or DS for the next day!) Anyone who has been through this and can share any wisdom, thanks!

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losingtheplotthisweek · 13/10/2009 21:37

I think that with all sleep type problems they tend to get worse before they get better (sorry!). My DD1 went through this type of thing at around 18 mnths, she used to stand in her cot and shout 'Muuuum' at top of her voice until I went back in. Also threw sheets and teddies out of her cot. It drove me mad because I couldnt read to and settle DS.

Basically, I went in and laid her back down without speaking to her or making eye contact. It did take several nights of doing this before it got better, and the worst night she carried on for about an hour and a half and stripped her cot completely! However, I would say that it was well worth the effort as she still has settled well ever since.

Basically, I think that you're doing the right thing but that he will keep trying until he realises it will not be a success! Hope this helps, let us know how it's going.

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poshsinglemum · 13/10/2009 22:00

I am watching this with interest as I have the same problem.

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nosferartifartu · 13/10/2009 22:19

Thanks losingtheplot - love the name, BTW! (and hullo poshsinglemum - How old is your DC?) DS also loves to strip his cot and throw all the toys out! I will persevere with what I'm doing and I think maybe try and settle him a bit earlier.

little buggers lovelies, aren't they?

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EachPeachPearMum · 13/10/2009 22:25

Sorry- no advice... but I LOVE your hallowe'en name
Inspired!

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nosferartifartu · 14/10/2009 21:07

Why thank you EachPeach!

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