My 13 month old daughter has been waking up during the night. I change her diaper and then try and get her to go back to sleep either by patting her back or rocking her but no matter what I do I can't seem to get her to go back to sleep. Help!
I work 3rd shift so this wasn't as hard for me as it will be for you. I let my fiance do it. but same prob. Let her cry! not to long but really it works! It only takes a few days just keep a close eye on her and do it! She needs to learn to sooth her self. trust me in a week you will sleep again. Even my little ones Dr. said it works best. good luck! L
If it's something new for her, it may be that she's working on a new skill. Mine always had disrupted sleep around the time they were working on mastering a new milestone....sitting, standing, walking, talking, etc. They were so focused on the masting the new skill that they just didn't have time for sleep. They'd want to be up all of the time for a week or so and then they'd figure it out and return to their normal sleep pattern almost like it never happened. It was hard on us and they would be grumpy from lack of sleep, but it was exciting to see the new milestone unfold.
Did this just start happening or has she always woken up in the middle of the night? If its something new, perhaps she's teething or going through a growth spurt.
I don't know, but I'm in the same boat! I have a 13 month old too, and she was ALWAYS a great sleeper until about a month ago. Now she's waking up at least once, but up to three times a night.
Diaper changes will only wake her up more!! Just make sure she has enough diaper rash ointment on before she goes to bed. You can try giving her a quick bottle of water - but don't pick her up - give her a quick hug, tuck her in and leave. If the crying continues for a while repeat the above. Also she may be going through growing pains - and her little bones may hurt - or teeth - you can try a dose of tylenol before she goes to bed. Take care - hope this helps :]
I know it is hard - but you have to stop. She doesn't really need a diaper, does she? She won't go to sleep and always wake up because you are coming - not because she really needs you. Babies that age recognize pattern! So she fuzzes and she knows you are coming. It is going to be rough for a few days because she will get louder and fuzzes more but than she realizes, it doesn't make a different. If you can't stand the crying/fuzzing go in the room and put your hand on her back/belly - don't talk, don't pick her up, she'll settles down and goes back to sleep. She is in an age where she has to learn to "comfort herself", put herself back asleep. With my older one I did the mistake to pick her up and "pamper" her whenever she woke up at night - she wakes up at night and comes in our bed now, because that is what she is "used" to.
A little about me: I am the mother of a 3 year old and 2 year old triplets..... happily married for 7 years and a stay-a-home Mom!
