My daughter is almost 13 months old. I have been weaning her and we are down to the nursing only at night. I normally nurse her right before bedtime. She usually wakes up a tiny bit when I lay her in her bed but thing goes right to sleep. But suddenly with then the last week or so she has started waking up when I lay her in her bed and will scream and cry for 30+ minutes. If I pick her up and rock her she settles right down but often will start crying again when I lay her down again. I repeat the process until she finally cries herself to sleep. Is this new behavior a result of weaning or separation anxiety peeking again at this age? I should also mention that we don't have this battle at nap time and I'm no longer nursing her at nap time.
hmm, whenever frankie goes through a i wont sleep phase, i take off my shirt and gently wrap her in it, it relaxes her and puts her right to sleep. we try not to alter her going to sleep routine, whether its naptime or bedtime. K. h.
Ugh - I feel your pain!
Try not picking her up and rocking her - the change is so much greater when you put her down. Try rubbing her back and talking soothingly to her just for a minute ("It's okay, it's time for sleep, close your eyes, I'll see you in the morning" or whatever you normally say) but otherwise don't engage in too much conversation and no snuggling. She needs to feel safe and calm in her own bed. Try leaving the room but coming back in 5 minutes the first time, then 10 minutes the second time, 15 or 20 the third time, etc.) and repeat the same soothing words just for 20-30 seconds, then silence.
Also, when there's a sudden shift, I always consider teething as a possible culprit.
But more likely she's nursing herself to sleep and she doesn't know how to fall asleep on her own. Try putting her in bed when she's still awake even if drowsy, then maintaining some physical contact (like a very very gentle back rub or stroking her head), and letting her fall asleep in her own bed rather than pressed against you.
Bottom line, you both need your sleep!
We used Ferber. We did it early. It worked for us. Having said that, it is not suggested that you try Ferber when there is a major change, stressor, or milestone going on (in your case weaing). Good luck.
F. B.
She is just more aware of all the fun that ran be had. It's normal. Just reassure her it's time to sleep and it will pass.
