Prop problem for 21 month old?

[First Time Mom]

My 21 month old suddenly developed sleep issues at bedtime 2 weeks ago. Up until now she's been the perfect napper/sleeper (thanks to lots of BW sleep training from 6 weeks of age on). We used to be able to put her down and walk away, now she suddenly started to scream/cry and call for me. Dh and I alternated 1 week of sleeping on her floor until she'd fall asleep, then sitting by her door, she is fine as long as she can see us. 2 nights ago I decided we were becoming props so I replaced "us" with a night light and 2 books. We can now put her down as long as she has books in her crib to "read" and we leave a night light on. We can't shut the door but don't have to be within view. She will "read" her books and then pass out, takes about 15 minutes.

Is this ok to do? Leaving a night light and some books or are these items now props? Should she not be able to be put down in a room, without lights, and without books, to fall asleep independently? BTW, we read TONS to her throughout the day so it's not like she's not getting enough, books just happen to be her favorite thing. Also, yes, she's teething and yes, her day naps are perfect.

[Layla]

I don't think night lights & books are props... well not bad ones anyway . If she is happy to read a little & then fall asleep... let her be. I recently had to get a night light (we had a fear issue) & thats how mine will fall asleep (well mine is a light dimmer rather than a night light). I switch the lights off once she is asleep since she's woken up a few times & seemed to be bothered by the light at night... but otherwise it seems to be working great for us.

hth
Layla

[First Time Mom]

Thanks Layla! Ours is actually a dimmer switch as well and I turn it off once she's asleep too. I think it's a sudden fear she's developed as well because she's fine for her naps in the day. It worked for night #2 so we'll continue with it.