16 Month Old Sleeping Worst than Ever!!!

My son has never been the best sleeper. Some nights he's okay and some nights he isn't. Ever since we got rid of the pacifier, he's just not sure how to go to sleep. I've learned that the more tired he is when we lay him down (not sleeping but zoned out), the less he cares about us leaving. So we've started the 'relaxing' period. We've also moved up his bedtime because he was getting harder to get to sleep when his bedtime was later. At about 7:30, we get jammies on (after bath) and sit in the chair and rock and relax until he really wants to lay down because he just can't get comfortable on our laps. Usually this works (he still cries briefly sometimes). We lay him down in the crib and read a story or 2 and then usually he's ready to sleep. (we also have music going). It's a lot of work but it's worth it.

H.,

I know how you feel. I have 2 1/2 old twins who have not been good sleepers until recently. Occasionally, one or the other will want my to stay with them while they fall asleep, or wake up in the middle of the night. I was never one who could do CIO, so I've spent many a night in their room, or bringing them to bed. Now, it's not so bad.
Make sure he's not overtired, set a routine and let him know you're always around and will respond to him when needed. Eventually, he'll feel more comfortable and be able to sleep on his own. It's not easy, and it can be exhausting, but if you stick to it, it will get better.

alot of kids have something to sleep with-a blanket or a stuffes animal. my son is five and has two blankets he has to sleep with and one has satin around the edges and he has to be touching it to go to sleep.

Hi H.! I have two boys, one just turned 2 and the other 3 1/2 (and one due in 2 weeks :) )...and my 2 year old has had sleeping problems. So..i know how you feel. My best advice would be to keep letting him cry it out, and try your best to ignore it...get out those earplugs :) Eventually he WILL fall asleep...he's just used to you being there..and he doesn't like the change, but if you're consistent, he'll eventually get used to it. I say in under a week, he'll be sleeping better. I know it's hard, but I would definitely stop bringing him to bed. Your son knows that if he cries LONG enough, you'll eventually give him what he wants, so it's paying off for him. Don't give in, and when he realizes it's not working, he'll stop. Good luck!

This is a different twist on what could be happening....
I have three girls and have noticed with being pregnant that my kids became Very clingy and emotional. Actually, this is how I came to realize I was pregnant each time! haha
You may have had issues before with your son but if you are realizing he is much more clingy and emotional this may be the reason. He may sense something is different. If this happens to be the case, I would recommend just recommend taking it slow. Maybe let him sleep in your room just not in your bed perhaps. Then as you get further along try again to get him into his room.

does he have the start of an ear infection? My son would cry more and refuse to lay down and have to be held. Maybe change the bedtime routine and make bed time a little earlier, read a bedtime story and give him a bath. I leave a little radio on in my sons room on a quiet volume which seems to help. I hope this helps you a bit, best wishes for the new baby on the way D.