My 14 Month Old Does Not Want to Go to Sleep Anymore!

EVERYTHING with children is a phase! :) Keep your cool and just try and try again until you find what works for YOU. Some people believe in the cry it out... some do not... some rock... some won't... some give bottles or nurse... some say no way. There isn't a right or wrong way.. it's whatever YOU feel is best for you and your family.

My first one... we rocked him to sleep every night but then he couldn't go to sleep without being rocked. Point duly noted. I took the bumper pads out b/c everyone had me scared to death that he'd suffocate, etc. He eventually slept through the night at about 15 months but still was being rocked to sleep. By about 18 months however, that came to a hault and we started patting his back / butt / etc. finally he learned to go to bed on his own.

My 2nd has been a completely different story. He's a fantastic sleeper. I"m truly blessed. I didn't rock him because he got to where he didn't wnat to be rocked, he wanted us to put him down on the bed and leave so he could go to sleep. binkie - buddy - blankie and leave me alone!

So, they're all different ... find a system that works for you and stick with it... give it a couple of months and it'll change again! :) LOL...

Welcome to toddlerhood! You could be dealing with a couple of things here. First, those one-year molars are a horrible experience. If he's cutting those, you can expect him to to have trouble sleeping until they're in. Also, ear infections can cause sleep problems and general foul mood. If he has any other symptoms (runny nose, general irritability) you might get his ears checked. Our son just had an ear infection for the first time (at 18 months) and his only symptoms were loss of appetite and irritability. Never got the runny nose or fever.
Also, soon after their first birthdays, the "manipulation" gene kicks in and the little darlings begin to realize different ways they can control mom & dad. So, I would not recommend beginning elaborate sleep rituals that involve rocking and laying down with him until he's fully asleep, etc. You've had a good thing going, so you can treat this as a "blip" that should soon pass. Seems like the height of my son's separation anxiety was around 15 months, so he may be experiencing some of this.
It's ok to take a little extra time to comfort and reassure him that you're not far away. You might try the method used in Kim West's book "Good night, Sleep Tight." Since he already knows how to comfort himself, it should be a quick transition for you, and since he may have become fearful of the separation, this method might be most appropriate. Basically, she says to sit in a chair next to the crib while he's crying and carrying on. You can speak to him or pat him to comfort him, but don't pick him up. You stay in there until he's asleep. Every night or two you move your chair closer to the door until you're in the hall way.
Good luck!

Welcome to the early stages of toddlerhood. You are going to have your ups and downs and different obstacles to overcome, but hang in there.

My 2YO started doing this around 14-16 MO, but it was only at naptime. We just let it run it's course and we are "let them cry it out" parents. We tried so many things and I would have to write a book on all we did so all I am going to tell you is you will need to find what works best for you, your hubby, and your little one. You know him best. But, I will tell you that when my little boy was going through that we were 6 months pregnant at the time and to make it easier on me, we went ahead and changed his bed into a toddler bed. All it took was 3 days in our new "BIG BOY BED" and we were back on our normal schedule and routine. Plus it helped me get him in and out during the day being pregnant.

Good Luck! This may be his first test to see how Mom and Dad are going to handle things. They are smarter than we give them credit.

Hi A.,
You've received some great advice from other mothers. As a teacher you've studied the psychology behind developmental phases infants and toddlers experience as they mature. Most parents and care providers feel the "cry it out" method is not helpful.

Your 14 month old toddler is most likely moving through a normal developmental phase that will pass. As another mom said, being consistent and ensuring that your child knows you are available helps with the normal separation anxiety that accompanies this phase of growth.

Keeping a routine - bath, story, prayers, tuck in bed, goodnight kiss helps a toddler settle into sleep more easily.
Letting him stay in the living room until he's really sleepy and then moving him to the crib may not be the best choice for a peaceful transition to sleep.

One of the older psychologists, Fitzhugh Dodson, calls toddlerhood "First adolescence". And yes - toddlers are capable of letting us know what they want in no uncertain terms. That's one of the things I LOVE about toddlers - their intensity. It prepares us to deal with adolescent behavior: stay calm, let them know you love them and know when and how to day no.

All four of my children now sleep through the night (unless they are sick), so there's hope!!!! Hang in there - this too shall pass.

HI A.!
It's funny you sent this today.. I am dealing with the exact same thing with my 19 month old. she's always been a great sleeper. Now, we can't put her in her bed or the exorcist comes out! So, we've been letting her fall asleep in our bed, then taking her to her bed. then, she wakes up in the night and cries so we bring her back. It's crazy!!
I read the other two responses and I think they have some very good advice. I also think she may have an ear infection. She started a runny nose yesterday and has been cranky. Or, it could just be the toddlerhood thing :)
I wish you luck!!! Let's hope it is just a phase!!!

p.s I stay home with my little one (after working 10 yrs in corporate america) i have a successful home based business if you'd like to learn more :) I would love to help you stay home with that precious baby

J.