17mo stopped sleeping through wants to be held every hour ? Am I creating bad habits

[Charlotteap]

We dropped to 1 nap a couple month ago and was a tough first couple weeks getting timings right but since then did a solid 6 weeks all way through and everything was fine. This past week or so he is waking at least every hour at the first half of the night just shouting mama with his arms up, like he’s in a panic. As soon as I get him he goes straight back to sleep and goes back in the cot fairly quickly but again will wake soon after. I’ve tried leaving him to cry for a few mins but he doesn’t settle , he stands up shouting which then turns to screaming and then turns into difficulty getting him back to sleep.

why would he suddenly be doing this, he’s never been like this it’s like he just wants a cuddle! He is teething, all four canines coming through but he doesn’t seemed pained more panicked and he does go straight back to sleep but only if I grab him quick.

I couldn’t tell you why he’s doing this but there is obviously something not feeling right with him. Personally I would continue to support him, you’re not creating bad habits you’re letting him know that when he needs you, you are there. It won’t last forever. He clearly just need to know you’re there and he will settle down again. It is tough on you but it will pass!

The thing about creating secure children is that when they need you, you have to be there. It feels awful when really all you want is some space but that is how it works. If you can stay with it you will reap the rewards eventually. Don't let anyone talk you out of connecting with your child with "habits", babies need their carer. Babies who are left alone unresponded to don't learn to like it, they learn that no one comes. Hold your baby and reassure yourself that this won't be forever.

Youre not going to create bad habits. I co-slept with my DD until she was 10, one night enough was enough she declared that from now she was going to sleep in her own bed all night and that was it. She's never been back inside since.
She's autistic so 10, is probably longer than most but my point was these things work there way out in the end. He is probably more bothered by his teeth at night, or over tired and still needs a second nap, going through a development leap etc, things could all change next week

His doing it because they change all the time. Just when you think you e cracked it something else happens. It's a phase

We had the same this week - turned out he was cold and needed his winter sleeping bag and pyjamas on! Good luck.

Thank you everyone for your comments, it is much appreciated. Especially the ones mentioning ‘habits’ definitely what I needed to hear. He has been eventually settling for rest of the night from two ish so hopefully persevere some more and it will pass!

thanks again

@CastleTower interesting I will double check tonight , it has dropped a lot cooler recently wonder if the winter tog is needed also

No idea. Dear little thing is too little to tell you. But responding to him and hugging him and reassuring him is the right thing to do. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

They have a bit of separation anxiety around 18 months so maybe he just needs your cuddles til he feels better about it. As pp have said, you aren't creating bad habits, you're showing him you'll be there if he's feeling anxious 😊

Actually, every habit of the child needs to be done slowly and repeated according to the habit. At first, the situation coreball of the child not being used to it will certainly happen. You can let the child get used to it gradually so that there are no overreactions.