Baby Playing at Nap and Bedtime

[monkey-lamb]

Lately, when I put my 16 month DD in her bed for a nap or bedtime, she just plays. She will do this for an hour sometimes before finally going to sleep. She used to go right to sleep until about a week ago. I'm putting her in bed around the same time using the same routines as usual. Since she isn't crying, I've just left her alone. I'll go in every 20 minutes or so and try to settle her, but I think this may be making it worse because she waits for me to come back and visit. It really becomes a problem when she stands up and chews on her crib rail. I have a cover on it, but she has figured out how to pull it back on the end and get to the rail.

Has anyone experienced this?

[Rowansmama]

Yep, been there done that! DD did that for a very long time, probably until she dropped her nap at 23 months. My thoughts were always as long as she wasn't crying, she could stay in there and play for as long as she wanted. She was still resting, and really, there are many days when I get in bed and don't fall asleep right away, so it's proabbly not much different for a little one. If I were you, I would leave her be if she seems happy. Of course, if it was bedtime I wouldn't let it go on for hours or anything, but an hour isn't that big of a deal to me

[AmyKT]

DD used to do this a lot at naptime. Didn't bother us, as long as she was happy. Now she just won't nap! Screams and cries if you try to leave her to it. Aghh!

[lifeguard]

Just for perspective - ds cries (in our arms) for upwards of that long every night. I'd trade that for playing quietly any night!

[monkey-lamb]

Thanks for your replies. I am grateful that she is not crying. I will just let her play. I think it is important that she is able to play on her own like that.