thread: Could it be separation anxiety at 14mths?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Sydney
    27

    Could it be separation anxiety at 14mths?

    DS has been waking even more frequently during the night for the last few weeks. On average every 2 hours! The added difficulty is that he is reluctant to go back into the cot.

    He used to be easier to settle back to sleep on the boob. Now he will drink, take himself off and happily lie in my arms, appearing to be asleep. When I try and put him in the cot he wakes up - arches his back and starts getting upset.

    I've tried waiting 5 mins, 15 mins, 25 mins before trying to put him in the cot. Doesn't seem to make any difference. In the last week, I've ended up bringing him back into bed with us, which he seems to like. The problem is that this is not great for DH and I - our sleep suffers - DS is a noisy sleeper and DH and I end up uncomfortable. I also get a sore back from feeding him lying down (although at least I don't have to get up every 2 hours! Not sure which is the lesser of two evils!).

    DS has been sometimes clingy during the day - so I'm wondering whether he could be having an increase in separation anxiety? Has anyone else experienced this in a bub of his age?

    I'm also a bit concerned that bringing him into bed with us will make him want to do that all the time (which we're not overly comfortable with, esp DH - particularly as he used to sleep in the cot the whole night).

    Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    summer street
    2,708

    Sorry I missed this! How's it going now?

    Was it illness, or is he still refusing the cot?

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Brissy
    2,208

    sorry I missed this too! How are things going?

    I wouldn't be worried about getting into a bad habit with him sleeping in your bed, he won't want to be there forever! I tend to work with the option that gives me the most sleep though

    Both my girls were clingy at that age - but they grew out of it - and I find that the more you run with it, and let them lead - the faster they get over it. They get that security they need, so they probably don't cling for as long if that makes sense?

    I hope things have gotten better for you!