We Call Him Screech!

by Niccole
(Fort Worth, TX)

When he gets mad, this is what he looks like!!

Why does my son scream at the top of his lungs when we put him down for nap or bed? He just started doing it a couple days ago. If I go in the room after a while and pat his butt he falls asleep. What do I do?

Baby Help Line:

Child Screaming When Put Down

Your little boy looks very determined! (and that's a good thing)I love the photo!

He is just at the age of wanting to assert his independence and he is letting you know he is not keen on going off to bed by himself! However he is also probably exhausted so no wonder he nods off when you pat him.

It is really hard when a baby changes their sleeping habits - exhausting for parents! He may just be going through a phase and if patting works you could keep doing it. I am not a believer in letting little ones cry themselves off to sleep, but you have to chose for yourself if you can handle that. If you decide you are going to go down that path you have to absolutely stick to it for a few days or weeks until he gives up and settles himself. If you give in you have to start from scratch.

Personally I find that too distressing for me and baby. Babies need lots of cuddles and reassurance and to know you are there. It may be he is going through a phase at present, but don't worry, you will not be patting his butt to get him to sleep when he is 16!

Children often get over-tired, and over stimulated and then are too wound up to settle. Particularly when they have just started walking, or crawling, they are suddenly far more active and on the go. Watch for signs when he naturally goes quiet, that is when nap time will be best. You might have to change routines to accommodate him. If his biorhythms have wound back up, then your patting is soothing him and slowing him down again.

You might try setting up a soothing time before nap time, so there are routines (similar as you would in the evening) where he has quiet stories or cuddles, a drink or something to eat so he has time to wind down and get sleepy before naptime.

Hope that helps, good luck, and just enjoy your lovely little boy,
Annie Desantis

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We Call Him Screech!

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Aug 30, 2011

He might be frightened
by: Paula (Baby Help Line)

Hi,

If your son is anywhere between 7 and 12 months old or at around 18 months old, he might very well be very scared if you leave him to fall asleep on his own. At some point around 8 months old, earlier for some, later for some, most babies go through a period of separation anxiety. Leaving them during this period can be very upsetting for them, because they really don't know if you will ever come back. And since mom and dad are basically their whole world, it means they think their world may be falling apart. No wonder they cry!

Also at around 18 months is another development stage and a lot aof your toddlers become insecure, need mom and dad really close and wake up a lot at night.

All this will pass and faster if you respond to his needs, so that he will learn to be safe again.

Hoep this helps,

Paula

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