8 month old terrified of cot- help!

[takefu]

Until yesterday, our cot was attached to our bed in our room with the side off. 8 month old DD went to sleep in it from 7 until she wakes around 10 or 11, then came into bed with us.

She has been rolling around a lot, so decided to put the side on the cot. I have also moved it into her bedroom. I intended for her to sleep in the cot until 11pm or so, then come in with us.

Problem is, she is terrified of it. Won't even play in it during the day. My husband made the problem worse last night by letting her 'cry it out' in the cot while I was out of the house- even though I told him to stay with her!! (GRRRRR- another topic perhaps?!!) She was never this afraid of it before.

What can I do to help her overcome this fear? I would like her to nap in her cot during the day, sleep the first part of the night in it, and play in it on occasion. I would prefer not to bring it back into our room, just because it's such a hassle to take it all apart again. I realize I probably should have moved it away gradually... help!!

Try putting a photo of you and dh taped to the side and maybe her fav tv characters cut out from a comic it may make her more keen to at least have a look.

She is n;t terrifed of the cot itself , but of beign spearated from you. A perfeclty nromal stage fo development and one whcih may well soon manifest itself should you elve the room etc. Try the gradual withdrawal technique. Stay until she is calm then leave and return afetr a minute, then 2 minutes , then 5. Settling her each time. Remember she doesn't know your intentions and will only feel secure by being reassured each time.

This sound silly, and possibly impossible.
But, can you get in it with her for half hour or so? Depends on the stability of your particular cot. Mine was very sturdy and could easily hold my weight if i laid still.

oh that's funny haychinglebells- made me remember that the Baby Whisperer book mentions doing that- maybe I'll try it. You're right, Lizs, it must be separation anxiety, because she sometimes gets upset when I leave her playing on the floor and go into the next room.