vomiting at bedtime

My 15 mo. old son has recently started vomiting after crying for 1/2 hour or more at bedtime.  He has gone right to bed on his own up until this week.  Is this a behavioral habit I can break somehow? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Erin,

First, be sure nothing of a medical nature is occurring - it probably isn't, but it's best not to assume this.

If all is well from the physical standpoint, you are safe in assuming the reaction is in the behavioral realm. It's not unusual for children who have slept OK to show some unevenness in this around this age. Be sure to persist in your efforts to have him fall asleep by himself and he will ease back into this practice. By all means, do not begin a pattern of rocking him to sleep, staying with him until he's asleep, having him fall asleep in another room and then placing him in his crib, etc. Also, it's best not to use a pacifier or any object which the child may miss during the night and then be in distress.