Crying to sleep every nap/bedtime. Will this affect our bond?

[YellowEllis]

My baby (nearly 1) cries when put down in his cot for every nap and bedtime. He cries for approx 2/3 minutes and then goes to sleep.

I just hate the fact he always cries himself to sleep, and the last thing before he falls asleep is that mummy didn't come. Lockdown is heightening my anxiety, and I'm worried that he doesn't seem to love me and I'm wondering whether this is why as he's falling asleep 3 times a day thinking I'm not coming.

No, it won't affect your bond. I'm belive sleep is a learned behavior and your child is learning (and rebelling) that when you put him down it's for sleep. He'll soon realise that when he wakes you'll come in and see him again.

Ohhh i know this feeling so well! It sucks. But think about it like this - your baby is putting himself to sleep, all by himself, and that is brilliant. He's not falling asleep instantly, but really, who does? Try and think of the crying as just him settling himself down and getting sorted and snug for the night, just like you might plump your pillows and turn over a bit, or exchange a couple of words with whoever's in the bed with you. Baby is probably just frustrated that he can't get to sleep instantly, and so has a little yell while he figures it out. He doesn't need you to go and settle him, he's learning how to manage himself. You're doing a brilliant thing for him, letting him learn. Be easy on yourself.