One Year Old Baby Cries At Night

I joined my one year old son in a day care two days back, and since then he is crying at night while sleeping. Is this normal or because of change of place? Does it take some time for the baby to settle or is there anything i need to do, plz advise.

Baby Help Line:

Unsettled Baby At Night

It is really tricky with babies to know what is going on, when they can't talk to us! His crying in his sleep could be teething, or physical discomfort that is not quite enough to wake him but he is still uncomfortable.

But is also could be some distress with a major change. Like adults, babies dream. And dreaming is the time our unconscious mind is trying to deal with whatever has happened in the daytime.

Do you know what he is like during the day at daycare? Is he distressed when you leave him? It is always such a dilemma with putting babies in care, even the very best care, cannot give them one on one attention for much of the day. Even if he seems settled there he will still be missing you and needs plenty of interaction and one on one attention when you are with him.

It is often really hard for working Moms to come home and then "play" with baby - washing needs to be done, meals cooked etc. But it is really important for his development and well-being, and if you can relax and have fun and play lots of smiley peepo or talking games with him, you will feel happier about leaving him.

Parents often underestimate the importance of playtime with babies and preschoolers. Play is how children learn, and how they start to build relationships and respond to others. The more interaction you have with him the better he will settle in daycare, and the more he will flourish. Parents often think children should play on their own, but their social development, language, problem solving ability are all learned when they observe your reactions, try to copy you, see you smiling at them. If you need inspiration, you'll find tips on games to play with your 1 year old here.

Just enjoy your little boy as much as possible, the house work can wait until he goes to bed. Make the most of your time with him, he will grow up all too quickly.

All the best,
Annie Desantis

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