Is this normal? 18 month old loves being alone

[elmo1980]

Our 18 month old ds loves his bed. Hes always been a good sleeper and upon waking either in the morning or at nap time, will happily play in his cot for an hour or more before we get him up - he will make it very clear if we go in too early that he is happy where he is so unless we have to be somewhere we let him get on with it.

Similarly for nap times, if I see he is starting to look tired I will say 'do you want to go to bed for a nap'? He will rush over to the stairs and start making his way up.

However he will still lie and play in his cot for an hour or so before he actually falls asleep. This morning I took him up at 9.30 it's now 10.30 and hes just lying on his side playing with one of his tesdies.

Should I be doing more to try and get him to sleep sooner? I've never been one to rock to sleep or stay in the room as been keen for him to self settle and he seems very happy but I'm worrying I'm creating problems further down the line.

Maybe it was too early for his nap? Mine have both been on one lunchtime nap for a few months by 18mo.

Otherwise I'd say he's fine if he's happy.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Sounds like he's a happy, secure little boy.

I was always told you can give a baby a bed time but can't make them sleep. He sounds happy and secure, I agree if it isn't broken don't try and fix it. If he is content on his own and drops off without a fuss when he's ready, I say that's brill. Well done for raising a happy content little baby I say

My DD has always been like this. Shes nearly 3 now and still loves a wriggle in bed and will not get up till shes ready whether we like it or not lol

Ive found it unadvisable to tell people though. It does not help make friends haha

This is interesting reading for me. DD is 15 months and we're on day 6 of her pointing at her cot and taking a book with her, then reading/playing for 20 minutes ish before going to sleep.

I'm astounded at the change and rather pleased so I'm hoping no one comes along and says this is an issue!

DD will also play for ages and ages on her own while I shower or cook. I cooked a roast the other day and in an hour and a half DD barely acknowledged my existence. I have worried about attachment but she shows other signs of being well attached so I'm hoping everything is ok.

He sounds delightful. If he's happy, why worry?
Give him six months or a year and he'll be different so enjoy the peace while you can.

DD3 (6) was, and still is, like this. Her favourite place is bed. She sleeps really well and loves a lie in (and breakfast in bed) at the weekend. She hates getting up in the morning.
DD4 (16 months) on the other hand absolutely HATES bedtime and always has done. She’s never slept a full night, and today was up at 5am, had an hour from 11-12 on the settee (she has to be cuddled to sleep and absolutely will not go to her cot in the day) and is still awake now.
On the whole, DD3 is quite independent. She still loves a cuddle and for me to read to her, but is happy to play with her siblings or on her own. DD4 is the clingiest baby known to mankind and very very rarely will she go down to play. She’s only just crawling, and nowhere near walking.
Luck of the draw I’d say. All babies are different. Long may it last for you!

Thanks all thats reassuring. I did get him up in the end yesterday as he just wasn't going to sleep and whilst he was happy there I felt too guilty! He did nap again later though and in the afternoon actually took one of his toys behind the chair so he could play without us watching!

He goes to nursery and they always comment when he plays with other children as if it's a novelty so I guess I'm worried I'm bringing up a bit of a loner but as someone who likes her own space too I suppose I enable it more.

Children don't really play with other children of the same age at 18 months anyway, they generally play alongside or fight! DS was always quite happy to escape his older sisters go off on his own and he generally has lots of friends around.

I think that amount of solitary time and hiding behind a chair do you can't see him is unusual. I wouldn't overly facilitate it. How are his social skills, interactions etc?

Hes great when interacting with others always chattering, laughing, showing us things, getting involved with looking after his baby brother etc. Which is probably why I've not really thought too much about it until yesterday when he had a particularly long stint in his cot.