Reaching two- new separation anxiety and sleep issues- normal?

mstavish79

Xander is a few weeks from two (I can't even believe that!) and just this week he has been super clingy- asking for mommy and daddy throughout the day at daycare, more fussy at daycare and very needy at bedtime.  I was just about to start to sleep train (yes, I am very late on this!) but now don't know if I have the strength or heart to start it.  All this week he has started crying even before I put him in his crib.  Prior to this new development he has been fine going to bed, I've never seen him so upset when he has been put to sleep.  Mom's of toddlers who have been through the transition to two- is this normal?  I recently got over an ear infection as well so that may have thrown him off.  It's so hard to tell?  If it is normal- any advice on starting sleep training during this phase or should I wait it out?

AgrippaRidesAgain

Conrad has gone through many separation anxiety phases. I think his past one went from 26-28 months or so. At night, thia manifested itself as a fear of the dark. A nightlight and telling him that it would scare away the scary thing helped quite a bit. As far as sleep training goes, I would definitely make sure that you use Ferber, so that he knows that you aren't going away for good. Perhaps putting him.in control of something related to his bedtime routine will help too. Conrad gets to pick his jammies, his two books, and whether he brushes his teeth before or after putting on pajamas. Although he still doesn't want to go to bed or for is to leave, it has helped some.

mstavish79

Thanks for the suggestions!  I will give them a try.  He also has been refusing to nap during the weekends and weekdays when he is at home.  Dad has been doing pick up/drop off at daycare so hopefully he will remember to ask them today how well he is napping during the day.  We have a pretty set bed time routine and he knows the routine including picks the books but maybe a few more choices will help.

Sofka

I think it's a stage and may actually be related to your pregnancy. He may be understanding more than soon he won't be the (only) baby and is trying to get as much Mommy/Daddy time as he can. Kids this age understand a lot more than we give them credit for. Have you been reading any "I'm going to be a big brother" books?

 

Hey Jellisy

We're going through the same thing, but I am attributing it to the baby.  DD started getting cling the more we talked about her upcoming big sisterhood during the last few months of my pregnancy as well. 

Hey Jellisy

I forgot to add, sleep train now.  DD has some regression (including moving back to the crib from her big girl bed), and the more distance you put between training and the baby the better. 

Sofka

we also had major regression when baby came along

mstavish79

I didn't even think of that! Will have to hit up Barnes and Noble this weekend and get a Big Brother book or two. Thanks again for all the advice.