1 year old getting distressed at bed time

[Finance Guy]

Hi folks,

Our one year old son, Jack, has been in a great routine for the last nine months, going to sleep at around 7pm and waking up between 7am and 8am. As you can imagine, we were delighted with this!

In the last 3 weeks, Jack has started walking and is now changing rapidly - into everything and learning new words etc - basically, a real joy.

The problem is at bedtime now. He will have his usual routine of bath, cuddle, story, milk and bed but will get upset when put into his cot - he is not liking being alone in his cot, if he has any energy at all and realises what is happening. He is straight onto his feet (although totally knackered!) and cries in such a heartbreaking way that is impossible to leave him - even though we have tried for up to 15 mins, to no avail.

Seeing / hearing him so upset is distressing for us all (Jack included) as you can imagine, so if you have any tips as to how we may overcome this situation please, your experiences or advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

[Psychick]

As hearbreaking as it is, the only way you are really going to get round this is by letting Jack cry at bedtime. Keep to his routine but let him cry for 15 minutes. Then go in, dont say anything, just lay him back down making sure he has any blanket or teddy he may use as a comforter, then walk back out. Dont go back in again for another 15 minutes. Keep doing it til he finally settles down and goes to sleep. I know its very hard, I went through the same with my daughter at about the same age. I used to have to put on headphones and listen to music, leaving her father to listen out to make sure she was ok, as I couldnt bear to hear her crying either.
Bedtimes were very tough and tiring for us all for about a weeks or so, but she soon learnt that she was going to go to bed with or without the fuss. On the nights she was going to sleep with no or a little fuss, I would make sure I gave her lots of praises and cuddles as soon as she woke the next morning letting her know it was for being such a good girl and going to sleep.
Its tough, very tough, but it does work if you persevere with it.

Good luck :)

[Finance Guy]

Thanks Psychick, I know you are 100% right but this is going to be very hard to do - but do it we will !

Think I might invest in a set of headphones tho!

Thanks again

FG