Sleep Issues - Revisited (A Whole New Set of Problems)

I would say he is not getting enough sleep. It does take a child some time to adjust to change - such as sleeping in his own room. Give him time and things should get better.

The crankiness I am sure is because he is tired. The clinginess is something that will subside with time. It is partially because of the age, its just a stage that will go away, but also because of the newness of sleeping on his own.
I recommend setting aside some cuddle time throughout the day. Some special "Mommy and Me" time - maybe before bed - when just the two of you cuddle and read books or sing songs, etc.

I also suggest occasionally having a babysitter or mother's helper to play with him, maybe take him to a playground to he can learn that you are not the sole source of affection and attention. Along with that, I also recommend encouraging some independent play time - that is not saying that you put him in a room alone and ignore him, but maybe you could flip through a magazine and let him learn to entertain himself for a few minutes here and there. Are you a part of a play group? Social interaction is a very important piece of development at this age and it can help Connor to gain some independence.

Develop a routine before nap and bed - books, a video, bath - whatever works for you. When these "cues" happen Connor will associate them with nap/bed time. Stick to it and be patient, adjustments take time.

I know that was a lot to take in, but once I was on a roll...anyway, I hope this helps. Good Luck!

My first suggestion would be an earlier bedtime. If my math is right, you're putting the baby to bed around 10:00 pm? I wish I'd had that late of a bedtime when I was 10. Even if he still gets up at 7, he'll be getting more sleep at night if you put him to bed at 9, or maybe even 8.

Babies in general don't like to sleep once they reach a certain age, because they don't want to miss anything in this world that they're becoming more and more aware of. I think especially once they put together that night time equals sleep time, then once daylight hits those little eyes? Up and at 'em! My 14 month old is up at 6 am without fail every morning (occasionally we get to sleep in...to 6:15) regardless of how late I put him to bed, so for me to be sure that he is getting enough sleep, he goes to bed by 8 every night. This way I know that he is getting about 10 hours of sleep every night, which is still not what is "recommended" but it's important to remember that every body is different, babies included.

Naptimes are a little trickier, because it's not dark out, and the baby doesn't really understand why they should have to go to sleep when there could be stuff going on, but if he's getting two hour naps a day, then he's still doing better than my son! I'm lucky if he sleeps a TOTAL of an hour day for naps.

I'm not going to say the co-sleeping isn't the problem, but I don't think it's as big a problem as you might be afraid of. More likely, he just doesn't want to miss anything, and there's not alot you can do about that. You can find all kinds of ways to "get" him to sleep. But I've not found anyway you can make him "stay" asleep once he's decided that he is up for good.

Say hello to 7 am. You'll probably be seeing it alot. Good luck!

N.,
THAT has been my very problem. Only when I got my; NOW 2yr. old; to sleep w/out me she woke up TEN min. later and simply could NOT "have peace" enough to sleep long at all or well. So I still sleep w/her!!! I think you are doing better than I did and have good advice about taking cuddle time during the day. I would make it like 20 min. 2 times a day. My daughter did the same thing was cranky and clingy; I knew it was because of not getting enough sleep or enough good sleep. Maybe if I had stuck it out and worked with her through it she would be "on her own" sleeping by now??? but I am seeing better now than I did then AND I was to tired myself to "work" with that because she still woke up at night a few times as it was anyway. You probably just need to try this and that for awhile. It was easier for me to just lay w/her until she was asleep.
K.

I know my kids all get up at the same time everyday regardless of when they went to bed. Maybe you could try moving his bedtime a little earlier, then we will get the sleep he needs. I hate to disappoint you, but you may have to adjust to a 7 o'clock wake up time. :( Hope this was helpful. Good Luck!

I've not been much of a co-sleeper as a regular habit. With my youngest we did it alot because I'm a single mother and it was easier with nursing. Before moving her to her own room, I moved her to her own bed in my room. I didn't plan it that way, I was ready for her to be out of my bed and there wasn't a room for her yet.
I do know this, It's a very dramatic change to go from sleeping with someone to alone. Think about what an impact it would have on your life if you and your husband (significant other) split and suddenly you were sleeping alone. Many adults take time of transition. Sleeping on the sofa instead of their own beds or sleeping with the TV on at night. Try to keep that in mind as you help him adjust.

**EDIT** When he wakes up at 7am, have you tried bringing him into your bed for snuggly and going back to sleep time. I used to enjoy that a lot with my oldest. And you both get more rest.

N.,
Is Connor getting enough sleep? I would gave to say NO! Especially if he is only taking a 45 minute nap during the day. Until his second birthday, your child should get about 14 hours of sleep a day, 11 of those hours at night. The rest will come in nap form. He'll still need two naps at 12 months, but by the time he's 18 months old, he may be ready for a single hour-and-a-half to three-hour nap in the afternoon — a pattern he may follow until he's four or five. (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/toddler/toddlersleep/768...)
Here are some things I have done with my own children to encourage sleeping. 1.) Make sure the room is dark when they are sleeping. 2.) Use a fan or music when they are sleeping. This will help "drown" out any outside noise he might be hearing and waking up to. Plus it is a constant noise. The link above have some good tips to on things you can do to encourage better sleep.
The Cranky/clinginess I think is a reaction to not getting enough sleep. He may need his "cuddle" time with you still, perhaps after his nap find some time to cuddle on the couch and watch a movie/cartoon? Call it your cuddle time. But, I think it is most likely due to not getting enough sleep. All babies/toddlers act like that when they are tired. It WILL get better in time. Mostly everything gets better in time. It will also get worse to. Conner is just being a normal child. He will go through phases of good sleep and bad sleep. Hang with it. Try to use the time as a learning tool. Really tune yourself into his actions. You may be able to learn something from him and use it later. The best to deal with him in the meantime? This I can not give you advice on, because only you can determine what is best for Connor. It will get better and you are doing a Awesome job with him. Keep up the good work. Hope I have helped just a bit!
Jenn
Mama to Bryce~9, Austin~6, Taylor~16mnths
Step Mama to Nich~15, Christian~14

I don't know if getting the exact right amount of sleep is paramount. I had a child who didn't like to sleep. It was ridiculous how many afternoons I would lay down with him to try to get him to nap and *I* would fall asleep but he would be wide awake!! Finally, after about age 3, I just gave up and he has been fine. No scars from not sleeping when he "should."

That being said, I do think the grumpiness/clinginess that your son is experience is related to the new change. You just incorporated a serious change in his life!! He had you all night, every night for 14 months - he misses his mama! Since co-sleeping isn't an option anymore at your house, please be patient with him. You will have to go through this new routine with him and help him to adjust. He needs you to be understanding and kind, even if you are losing sleep. Remember, it wasn't his idea to move to his own bed....so some "rules" come with a price for moms and dads.

Humans don't generally like to be alone. Those who do aren't the majority. We're just social. And sleeping is a social thing - we like to know we're not alone. So, do your best to help your son make this transition so that he's not fearful or tense because of sleeping along.

Good luck!

A.
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