By Claire Lerner and Rebecca Parlakian
Since my 8-month-old was a tiny baby, I have had a regular bedtime routine: bath, quiet play, books, bed. It worked like a charm. But now, after we’ve read our story, my son starts fussing and crying as I carry him to his room.
It is very common for babies around 8~9 months old to begin protesting at bedtime. Why?
Because at this age babies are developing an understanding of “object permanence”,the concept that people and things exist even though they can’t be seen. So now, when you put your son to sleep and leave the room, he knows that you are still out there somewhere. He is also starting to understand that he can make things happen. He knows that if he fusses and cries, he will get more attention from and time with you. Who could blame him?
To help your baby cope better, start by doing his bedtime routine in his room. This can make the transition to bed easier and will help him think of his room as a place of comfort and security. If he is still fussing when you put him in his crib, leave the room and see if he calms on his own. If he doesn’t, go in every few minutes for a second or two to let him know you are still there. Don’t turn the lights on or pick him up as that will only get him more aroused and make it more difficult for him to soothe himself to sleep. If you are consistent and stick with the routine, after a few nights he will likely stop fussing and soothe himself to sleep on his own.
