Baby suddenly scared to sit on bed

[lenster]

Just wondering whether anyone else has had this! My one year old has suddenly developed a fear of sitting on any soft surface like the bed or couch. She seems to be fine on the floor, but will arch her back and throw herself into a lying down position if placed on the bed. If I try to sit her up, she'll just cry and cling on tightly.

I was thinking maybe an ear infection affecting her balance, but there aren't any other signs of illness. She hasn't fallen off the bed or had any other issues with heights or wobbly surfaces. Not a big problem at all, but just wondering whether anyone else has experienced this.

[Saffron]

When our daughter was much younger -maybe around 4 months?- DH accidentally put her feet first into the bath instead of bum first. She screamed her head off, and we had to abort bathtime for a little later in the evening! I have no idea why that should have been an issue.

She also went through a phase where she didn't like being left on the floor and was only happy on a bed/sofa/high chair. That came later. Around 9 months, I think.

Is it the elevation rather than the surface, that your LO doesn't like? Is she happy to sit on a beanbag on the floor? Would she be unhappy on the kitchen worktop, even though it's a firm surface?

[lenster]

I don't think the height is the issue as she seems fine on firm surfaces when off the ground. Guess will just have to chalk it up to one of the many, many phases and wait to see how long it lasts.

Thanks.

[Saffron]

Has she been a cosleeper? When she's put down on the bed, is she upset b/c she thinks she's going to sleep and doesn't want to miss the fun? How is she with a surface that's firm but bouncy - like a baby trampoline? Maybe she just doesn't like feeling unsteady. Or maybe there's a pea under the mattress!

Is she walking yet? It could be that this phase is associated with transition to walking, or other developmental leap? xx

[nancysmum]

she could be going through the stage where she is more spacially aware, and she may have fears that she will fall off the bed. I suggest that you 'break' her in gently - sit on the bed / sofa and cuddle, read stories, etc. then bit by bit move off the bed (eg: drop the book and get off to pick it up). It is a stage, and it will pass! xx

[lenster]

Thanks. She isn't walking yet, but has recently decided to give crawling a go in the form of bum shuffling so I guess it could be linked to that and the fact that the bed is not a steady surface to move about on.

Tried out the 'breaking' in gently today and worked well using something else as distraction. Took a while for her to realise where she was and then she quickly threw herself back. Will persevere.

[nancysmum]

best of luck xxx