My 9 mo old is afraid of his crib and room at night?

I guess this is separation anxiety? I've always put him to bed asleep (bad I know) but now as soon as he feels himself being lowered into the crib he goes nuts. And, when he is placed in the crib he gets this look of horror on his face and starts screaming. I feel terrible to let him CIO since I am pretty sure it is me leaving that he is afraid of! But, I am getting NO sleep and have already gotten sick and am not getting better! Please help!

Re: My 9 mo old is afraid of his crib and room at night?

I rub my dc's back when he's like that and sshhh sshh until his eyes close

Re: My 9 mo old is afraid of his crib and room at night?

My DS went through this at 9 or 10 mos as well. He would scream and cry as soon as we left the room. After a couple of minutes, I'd go back in, pick him up, give him hugs and tell him it was okay. Then I'd lay him down and rub his back for a minute or so. It usually did the trick and he outgrew the phase in a few weeks.

Re: My 9 mo old is afraid of his crib and room at night?

Do you have a night lite so it isn't too dark in his room? Maybe that might help some - what about trying to put him down drowsy but sitting on the floor by his crib until he is asleep so he knows you are there for him? DD used to do this when I tried to get her to nap - she would only go down at night if she first fell asleep in my arms then DH put her in the crib - she would always wake up and flip out if I tried to put her in the crib - suddenly about 3 weeks ago she won't fall asleep in my arms and just tosses and turns until she falls asleep - so now we can put her down partly awake and then DH rubs her back until she is partly out - then she will just pass out. But that is brand new.