Separation anxiety - naps gone awful!

[CDE93]

My DD has just turned 12 months and the last few days I think she has started to get separation anxiety which have made nap times so awful! She usually self settles, we read book in semi dark, white noise on, quick shush and pat and then in the cot awake and she will get herself to sleep pretty peacefully in a few mins. All of a sudden it’s like she knows nap time is coming and I’m leaving her, cries as soon as we get close to cot will cling onto me and sit up in cot and cry! I don’t mind leaving her for a few mins for tired cries but not if she’s hysterical! If I go in it almost makes things worse as she thinks I’m coming to get her out and not just soothe her! HELP! She doesn’t have a dummy or comforter, she’s pretty independent and not overly cuddly! Don’t want to start new habits but hate her crying! Anyone know what to suggest 😩

Would you consider co sleeping? Mine has really bad separation anxiety too and has done since 7 months so much longer than yours. It might just be a phase though don't worry too much.

I gather there is a 12 month sleep regression, you might want to look into it. All of my friends who have co slept still have the babies in their beds at age 3 so i would say only for it if you are prepared for that. Its likely not necessary at all.