DD (3) can't fall asleep on her own

[cheapFlower]

hiya,

my DD (3) still can't manage to fall asleep on her own. never could. she was BF for very long and always a very irritable baby and would always fall asleep during a feed... BF stopped about 1 year ago but she still can't fall asleep on her own. DH or myself always have to lie down with her (she hugs us) until she goes off to dreamland. can take anything for 5 mins to 45 mins. I really would like to to manage to fall asleep on her own but if we leave the room whilst she is still awake she will have a total meltdown.

anybody has had the same? any idea, tips or at least a comforting story that this won't go on forever?

TIA

What I do with #3 (age 3) who was bf to sleep until about a year ago is read him a story and get him into bed. Then I either lie down for a short time with him and if he doesn't fall asleep quickly, I'll say that I'm going to and if he stays lying down quietly I'll come back soon. I come back between 5-10 minutes later and he's usually asleep. If I think he's likely to make a fuss or get out of bed I'll go back sooner, so I can praise him for not disturbing. Lie down again and repeat until he falls asleep.
Alternatively, I give him a book (with lots of pictures) to look at "until I come back". He usually tucks himself up and falls asleep. Tonight he wanted to play a tune, and fell asleep cuddling his recorder.
6 months ago he was hard work to get to sleep on his own, now, most nights he goes off on his own.

HI i really feel for you i struggled to get my dd to go to sleep on her own it was only when i was heavily pregnant with dd2 that i put my foot down with her but i wished i'd done it soner she was almost 4 before i done the deed but it was so worth it. it will take about 2 wks but just be STRONG and PAITENT!!!
Put her to bed have a story and a cuddle I would say to my dd that i needed a wee and that i'd be right back, I would go back to her about 5mins later and i done every night but i would wait a bit longer each night until she would finaly be asleep when i went in, just find out what she'd be ok with and try it!!GOOD LUCK it's very hard!! my dd is almost 8 now and i never looked back.

Have you read the No-Cry Sleep Solution for toddlers & pre-schoolers by Elizabeth Pantley?

well all I can say is my dd,also three,also long-term breastfed (still bf)is the same.I cuddle in to bed with her and dd1,and then creep out when they have fallen asleep.I'm assuming it will get better with time!