CC with toddler?

[hawaiibaby]

DS is 21 months, haven't done CC before. He sleeps through but for last month has been a nightmare to put to bed and no signs of improving. From 9m we have stayed with him while he falls asleep in the cot, sometimes will pick up (if upset or stands to be picked up) and usually takes abotu 5-15 minutes.

Currently taking an hour with lots of faffing on his part, picking him up, putting him down. I know he is tired. He never gets upset. The only thing I can think of is CC, but when I have left him previously he rarely cries, or if he does he stops after a minute then just chucks his comforters out the cot or chats. It makes me question if it will work - partly because will he settle without comforters and just wait for me to bring them back - and partly because of his age?

Has anyone done CC at this age? Thanks.

if he doesn't cry when you leave then what is the problem? Just leave him and let him get to sleep by himself, it doesn't matter if he chats to himself first. Settle him in his cot, leave the room and don't go back in unless he is getting upset.

I would just leave him too unless upset. No one can go to sleep instantly. My DS who is now 6 used to lay in bed singing/chatting for up to 45 minutes. We used to just leave him to it. You can't make someone sleep. I also wouldn't pick him up, just lay him down again if you feel it's necessary.

I hadn't even thought like that (doh!) guess I'm always worried that the longer he faffs, the less sleep he gets but then he's faffing even with us there so that's a moot point!

Okay will try it, assume he will cry eventually - would you then suggest following a cc type routine? Thanks.

If it were me I would lay him down, calm him down then leave. If he starts crying again I wouldn't wait and time it, I would just go straight back in and calm him again. Don't think I could ever do CC, I'm too soft! Think my approach is called walk in, walk out?

Echo just leaving him. We have a 27 month old and he chunters loads in his cot. I often hear him singing/giving toys into trouble in a a voice that sounds quite like mine )/and practicing new words. Cot time is also time just to relax and go through the day, just like with adults

....if crying, I do go in as there is usually a problem such as a poo/toy out the cot/bag tangled or sore teeth

Wow this has been a revelation, so glad I posted I hadn't heard of Walk in Walk out - much more appealing and makes sense due to the comforter / teddy throwing and retrieval!

We really don't fancy doing cc but it was starting to feel inevitable with how bed time has been.

Right, will start tonight and do also for naps from tomorrow. FX it makes things better in the long term.

Thanks everyone!