Developmental Nap refusal or Separation Anxiety?

[Keren]

For the past week my 15month old ds has yelled and screamed when I leave the room for his nap and bedtime. In fact sometimes he has started to protest when I say it is nap time to him. He is awake around 6 hours from wake up to nap time and will usually sleep 1 -1:30 hrs.

I thought it may have been developmental as he has started to babble a whole heap more this week. But then when I walk back in after a few minutes of his protesting he lies back down and I can reassure him with words until he goes to sleep.

So is it developmental nap refusal or separation anxiety or something else? I am almost at my wits end as he used to go down so easily for both napping and bed. I really don't want to start accidental parenting.

Has anyone else experienced this at this age?

Thanks
Keren

[notenoughshelfspace]

No words of wisdom I am afraid but lots of sympathies and I know how frustrating it is as I am going through exactly the same thing with my 9 month old and have the same fears as you of starting up bad habits. Just know that I am with you and look forward to some help from other mums.

[compoguide26]

Hi, my son is doing the exact same thing but he won't go to sleep unless he is on me, we never had this before he slept by himself in his bed we just put him in said night night and left and he fell asleep on his own but now he screams.  He is also 15 months and i don't know what to do for the best, i really dont want him to form bad sleeping habits but what can i do?

[elfin]

It could be a bit of both.  I remember going through something similar with Myles around this age.  You're doing a great job though!  Just stick to it, and he'll get back on track.  One other thought as well is that he may be needing a bit more awake time before his nap.  You could even try 15 minutes later.  Just a thought!

[Keren]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Carrie, that is what I was thinking today as he started to walk around his cot when I was in the room and cried when I went out so I put him on the spare bed and read stories to him until I got some proper tired signs (he gives false ones from about 3hrs on. Very confusing). He started to yawn at around 6.75hrs but still cried when I tired to put him down but at least he went to sleep quickly and then slept for 1 hr 40mins which is good for him.

Is 7hrs awake time too much at this age? Does everyone else wait for big tired signs before taking their lo off to the cot? I really have to go by the clock because he gives confusing tired signs.

Cheers
Keren

[elfin]

What time does he wake at in the morning, and what time is nap time?