18 month old having trouble going to sleep?

Question

My daughter has been putting herself to sleep for a while now, both for naps and bedtime, however recently she began throwing a fit when I lay her down. For instance today I laid her down for her usual nap after lunch and she just screamed in her crib for an hour. I tried to put her down later for a nap at around 3:00, and she refused once again! Tonight, I went to put her to bed at 8:00 and she cried so hard and was screaming "Mom!" It broke my heart! I rocked her a little and she calmed down immediately, but as soon as I lay her back down it was back to the cry fest. This time I made her stay in her crib, but I rubbed her back and head for about 10 minutes. This seemed to work although when I stopped and headed out the door she stood up and started crying again, but I just told her to lay down and go night night and that I loved her and she quit. Now she's finally asleep! What could be causing this change in sleeping? She's not sick or fevering. It's just odd because she has done so well for me just going to bed on her own without a fuss, and it took me a long time to get her to that point. I don't want her to revert back. Any ideas?

Answer 1

It absolutely could be teething! This wrecks havoc on their schedules every time.  Give her tylenol or motrin before bedtime (about 30min-45min so it has time to work) and hopefully it won't last long for you!  The only other thing would be ear infection. But if your pretty sure she's teething, than she probably is. Also try oragel if it gets really bad.  

Answer 2

My son did this same thing around the same age.  It lasted for a month or so.  Even small changes can disrupt a toddlers life and make them feel insecure.  Have there been any changes at all around the home?  Or have you been stressed?  Something small even like an older sibling starting school.  I think what you did was good, rubbing her back while she lay in her crib and talking to her.  I think it will pass.  You won't regret it if you help her by giving her some extra love and security.  Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Teething?  My 14 month old is doing the same thing and he surprisingly had a bottom molar pop through this weekend.