We’ve just moved DD (22 months) into a bed as she was climbing out of the cot and her sleep has got so much worse. We expected some upset but I’m really not sure how to get her to sleep. She woke at 3:30am today and I went in to try to settle her. She cried and cried and got very worked up if I tried to leave so I got into bed with her. I really don’t mind doing this (DH snores anyway!) but she didn’t go back to sleep. At all. She was obviously exhausted, and nursery have said she crashed mid-morning today, but she was too distracted by me, kept checking I was still there, chatting to me etc. The same thing happened the two previous nights - although not as early.
She has never been a cuddly baby, never slept in our bed with us in the mornings etc.
I assume this is a phase from changing beds, but I can’t keep being awake from that early, it’s killing me. I have no issue sleeping in bed with her if it helps her sleep, but it doesn’t. Sitting by the bed has the same effect, just constant checking I’m there, grinning at me etc.
Do I need to just tell her it’s still bedtime and leave? I don’t like the thought of leaving her (plus we’re mid terrace and I doubt the neighbours would appreciate the howling) but equally my presence kept her up for ages today and that doesn’t seem nice either!
For context, when being put to bed in the evening, sitting by the bed does help her go to sleep (eventually), I guess in the night she’s not as tired because she’s already had a good few hours sleep? So my presence is too distracting? And I can’t send DH in, she cries for me if I do.
Help!