Would love advice on what I should have done.....
DD is 16 months. She slept through for a couple of months at the start of the year then I think had a big sleep regression & lost the ability to switch off. She now wakes several times a night & won't settle back in her cot after she does wake. I previously did gradual retreat just at her bedtime which seemed to work ok & really help her sleep so I thought I would try applying it bedtime & in the night. As by the time I go in to her she is always stood up in her cot properly crying I decided to go for an air bed in her room. First night was ok she woke a few times & went back of to sleep with me talking to her and patting her/ the cot. Last night she woke at 10:30 and got completely hysterical. I tried to calm & soothe her without picking her up but after 15 mins I caved and picked her up. She then wouldn't be put back in her cot (I think there is a force field around her cot she can sense me just moving towards it) so we slept in my bed together.
I was expecting some upset but didn't think she should be screaming quite so much. Am I just being too soft? Any ideas on how to do this better gratefully received.