Why do toddlers scream and cry when you put them to bed?

Question

We have a new baby coming and we just started enforcing a bedtime on our 13 month old. She screams and cries for an hour (we're on day 3). It's really hard to make her go to bed, but I have to get her on a schedule before the second baby comes and plus I'm exhausted from letting her stay up until 11:30/midnight, like we were letting her do b/c we hated to hear her cry. Why do they cry like that? It's tough because I want to get her, but I know it isn't healthy for her to stay up as late as we do as her parents. When will she stop screaming for an hour? Please help.

Answer 1

they scream because the world will end. Literally..thats what they think that if they go to bed then the world will end and leave them behind. It wont last for long. Just stick to it and don't give up and in just couple of days she will (hopefully) go to bed just fine

Answer 2

I would start a bedtime routine with her.  Have her get PJs on, brush her teeth, and read a story or two before tucking her in.  This gives her a transition from play to sleep, and after she adjusts to the new routine things will get easier.

Answer 3

I totally agree with teena. My childrens bedtime is at 8. 7-7:30 is baths 7:45 they brush their teeth. Than off to bed at 8. Works like a charm. Good luck

Answer 4

lol they scream cause there not ready to go to bed.... and it will go on for a while.... Just lay the lil one down and let it cry it will learn that bed time is bed time... and cryin a little bit wont hurt it.... But dont let it lay and cry for hours or anything...

Answer 5

maybe she wants something to sleep with or is not ready to go to bed just let her play in bed for lets say 15 mins and she will hopfull fall asleep