WIWO and Gradual Removal at same time too confusing?

[JKL]

Hi!  My son is not officially a toddler yet (5 more days), but, close enough, I figured .  We have had sleep issues since day 1, but this week, things have really deteriorated, so I guess it's time for a new plan.  My son had been going to sleep independently for naps for months.  Now, he suddenly screams his head off unless I stay in the room with him--and then it takes him forever to fall asleep.  For going to sleep at night, I have always stayed with him, patting him till he's just about asleep.  I know, that is AP, but I never minded, since he went to sleep on his own for naps--until now.  He is also starting to wake up many times at night, screaming till I come in, and then laying back down and letting me pat him to sleep.  So, something has to change.  My question is, would it be too confusing for my lo if I did wiwo for naps but gradually faded myself out of the room for the night sleep? 
Thanks!

[imsmum]

I thin I would tackle one problem at a time ie. start with naps and then move on to fading out the patting at night.  That way you don't have to worry about inconsistent methods.

[mari]

As you have started experiencing problems for naps, which you din't have before, what times are his naps, is he still taking two naps?  At this age they sometimes switch from one to two naps so that could be why he is resisting this. 

[JKL]

Hi!  I know; I actually just posted on the nap board, cause the same thing crossed my mind.  I just don't know if these issues are because I've become a prop to help DS fall asleep, or cause he is ready for the 2-1 switch...  GRRRR... Either way, I figure, he needs to learn to go to sleep independently at night, so it's something that needs to be addressed, for sure!

[mari]

I would try the transition, then sleep train.  I think that he needs to be sleeping when he needs to so if you keep him on two naps and try the sleep training when he isn't tired enough then you might experience more probs KWIM.  There is a sticky thread on the naps board about the switch from 2-1 naps, so take a look and if you feel he's ready then give it a go.

[yaya]

Hi there! Just wanted to offer my support, Its tough, Know how u feel!!
I agree with MAri (she gives great advice!) try the transition first. I also think that naps and nightime are very diff. T was always a good sleeper at night but bad for naps then bad nights started and naps were fab!

Hope it gets better soon for you

[Diegos Mama]

I agree with mari, transition to one nap and he'll simply be much more tired for it!  Also, I'd say your son is too young for wi/wo and you may be dealing with separation anxiety (there's a post on this in the faq forum).

[JKL]

Thanks everyone!  Looks like we'll be starting the transition (sigh!!!)

Jen