Screaming tantrums at bedtime

Question

My son just turned 21 months a week ago, and for about a week he has been screaming, crying, non stop as soon as it's time to go to sleep. He hasn't done this since he was near 9 months old. He had a cold, but I know it's not from that. He screams so loud and if I go in he clings to me like he's scared. As soon as I put him in the crib he starts screaming again. The other night he woke up from 3-4am screaming, and yesterday morning at 5am...He usually sleeps until 7/7:30ish. This is just very strange behavior. I'm worried he's sick, but not sure if it's a phase. As long as my husband or I am with him he's fine, he just doesn't want to be left alone in his room. It breaks my heart to hear him cry like that, but he has to go to sleep, he gets so tired. I dont know whats going on. I'm taking him to the doctor first thing in the morning tommorow to get checked out, just wondering if anyone else has had the same thing happen to them. Is it a phase or do you think it's something else?

Answer 1

it's just a phase he's at that age where he doesn't want to go to sleep. I would put a night light in his room if he doesn't already have one. and try reading to him or maybe even soothing him to sleep. I would also see what the doctor has to say to and go from there. good luck.

Answer 2

I've heard of people trying this:

leave a radio on low or a tape recording of yourself crooning to him?

Answer 3

My daughter did the same thing for awhile. I don't want you to change your mind about getting him checked just in case but with our daughter, she has a great imagination and she started having nightmares and was scared to go to sleep after a few nights with no nightmares bed time got easier again.