Separation anxiety and bedtime probs

[Arcadia]

DD has just developed separation anxiety, and it seems to be worse in the evening. The main problem is that it is playing havoc with our bedtime routine. A week ago I would bath, feed and cuddle her and put her down awake and off she'd go...straight to sleep without a peep. Now, she will go down the same but AS SOON as I leave the room will cry and cry and cry. I tried staying in the same room, but its not enough, she wants to be in my arms.

So for the past week I have been feeding her to sleep but I realise its not really a long time solution and I am hoping it is something that may pass?

Her day sleeps are still ok (meaning she self settles fine).

Any ideas??

[jamakin]

Hi Anna,
i dont really have any ideas, but i think it could be the age, they all seem to go through stages like that. hopefully it will pass soon. i would just keep feeding or rocking to sleep - but thats just me, whatever gets you through i say. she prob just needs to know your there. is she teething or anything else at the moment? ds always gets clingy when he's teething.
sorry i'm not much help.. hope things get better x

[Arcadia]

Thanks jamakin! I thought I would post again because we found a solution!!!

I did some research into separation anxiety and they recommend playing peek-a-boo and helping baby 'practice' the concept of being left until you return. So today I played SO much peekaboo. We also extended the nightime routine to include 5 mins of extra stories/cuddles before being put down as well as holding her lovey/comfort toy while we breastfed...

So far so good. I hope it helps other people with the same prob.