9 month old won't go down

[bilbobaggi]

If anyone can help I'd be so thankful! DS has been happy to go down to bed until recently when separation anxiety has kicked in and the last 2 nights it's been a nightmare getting him to sleep. All the information online is for younger babies, this is an older baby who used to have a good sleep routine but has lost it. Help!

He has regular daytime naps at the same time (ish), good bedtime routine of bath, teeth, boob (not interested in this really now) and story then down. He has a white noise thing which he always used to associate with sleep. But he SCREAMS when I put him in his cot. He sits up as soon as he's laid down and screams. Last night it took 2 hours for him to go to sleep, he came down for a bit, I sat next to the cot and sang to him, then we just had to let him scream for intervals and keep going in and lying him down. Tonight it took an hour I just went back in every few minutes and lying him down and leaving him but again screaming. It's horrible but I just don't know what to do!! I'm going away in a few weeks time for 3 nights and DH is looking after him then what do we do?!!! (He's a good dad but all DS wants is mum.)

He's just woken up again I think we're back to square 1 ☹️ any advice?!! Thanks!

Is there any chance it's an ear infection? Hurts them like buggery when they lie down

I don't think so, although he has a run of illness/ virus that he's only just getting over and the dr said he had wax build up in one ear, might not be helping. What can I do to help him with that? They wouldn't give him antibiotics. (Understandable)

When did you see the doctor?
I would offer calpol and cuddles at the next wake up

is he in one of those wonder leap things?

Bilbo - my 10mo DD is almost the same. Won't take bottles and used to feed to sleep so that went out the window. Tried leaving her to sleep as you are but it was torture. We're now meant to be trying gradual retreat, and have been for about 3 weeks but with no retreating as yet. Saying that though, only takes 20 or so mins to go to sleep now and it's peaceful (apart from first 15 mins which are all her standing up and us laying her back down). It's a whole load calmer and gentler from my experience though...

Ok could try gradual retreat, thank you. I know I always used to feed to sleep and now he's not interested! Yes I think he might be going through a 'stage' I know there's a lot going on his little brain right now, just hate hearing him scream like that. I have to admit I did so calpol on the first night, just in case he was in pain but to no avail. If it continues over the weekend I'll see the HV next week. Thanks!

We've had the same thing here at 10 and 11 months. I don't have loads of advice because I don't think we've cracked it. What sometimes helps is if both of us do bedtime routine and keep it verrrrrry chilled, with music etc.

But watching with interest for advice.

There's a development leap (and often separation anxiety) at 9 months. So it'll just be a phase.
Could you pop them in a sling, this always works for me! And they might be more interested in boob then (if you can feed in the sling?)