19 month old suddenly refusing to go into cot. Separation anxiety?

[bozemum]

Hi,
My 19 month old DS is suddenty refusing to go into his cot. He usually loves his cot and goes to sleep no probs. But as soon as we go anywhere near it his body tenses and he starts screaming.

He's teething and has a cold. So I have ben trying to be gentle with him and give him cuddles. He eventually falls asleep with his head on my shoulder as I kind of rock him to sleep. But sometimes its not til 1am.

From what I can gather a lot of people say separation anxiety is often a problem at this age. He's never been bothered by this before. But am noticing a bit more clingyness in the day. The problem is I can't just stay in the room with him, cos he won't sleep if I just sit with him. He wants to play and would stay up all night if I let him.

Other people say they often like a big bed at this age, so I am wondering about taking the sides off his cot. Does anyone have any experience with this working?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

I'd be interested to read some responses too bozemum.

My 19mo is also refusing to sleep in his cot. He used to go down like a dream without any fuss (even though he'd wake at some point in the early hours).

I think he just wants to come downstairs for a snuggle but DH is quite strict that 7pm onwards is 'grown up' time. DS is up there wailing now which I hate, but I just don't what to do.

Ended up with DS next to me on the sofa until he fell asleep. He was so tired but just didn't want to be on his own.

Anyone got any experiences or suggestions please as this isn't sustainable long term.