6 1/2 Month Old Won't Sleep!

You are going to get a lot of great advice, so I'll just stick to what my son's Pediatrician told me...when kids are sick they need love and comfort and it's okay to hold them and make them feel better. Once the cold is over with an infant it can be tough to get them back to the 'usual' routine of sleeping comfy on their own.

She's gotten used to you coming for her and comforting her and making it 'all better' and that's okay. What you need to do now, is show her and guide her back to that sleepy time routine. Please try to not let your little one CIO, at this age there is so much evidence that your little one just doesn't get why you aren't coming to help her.

When my son was sick, we had already been co-sleeping since he was 2 mos. and home from the NICU. He got used to me cuddling him or sitting up in the rocking chair to get him to sleep. I tried to slowly work him out of those comforts to other ones...

At that point, we got a cuddly small dino toy that started to replace me as the cuddler and while it took time, we made it through it. I would hold it with us while we slept and eventually migrate away from him. In two weeks, he was over Mom and the cuddle to get to sleep and even eventually got tired of the dino toy taking up his space! You can sort of do the same thing with a crib sleeper. Talk to you little girl, she will understand more than you think. Remain calm and use a loving tone, any stress is a tip off that something is wrong and they just want you to hold them more. As my son is older now, if he wakes in the night and calls for me, I rub his back and tell him I am here if he needs and explain he needs his rest and he's safe. You can do something similar with your little one.

Don't worry, it's not the worst thing that can happen! Follow your gut instincts and you'll find the answers.

Good Luck.

Hi M.,
Im sorry to hear about your dilemma. I had a similar problem with my son when he was 8 months old with asthma. The doctor gave me a weird suggestion and it worked. She told me to get a pillow or stuffed animal and put my shirt that i wore from that day on the animal or pillow. then put it in his crib. But be sure its not where she can get smothered. Your baby knows your scent. And if your scent is there she will feel more secure that you are there with her. I hope that helps a bit. Good luck.

Hi M.:
I believe Deanna,gave an excellent response. I concur with her.I realize,that this time spent away from your husband is not easy for you.You are taking care of everything,on your own,and it can be over welming.Try to turn this situation around,and Use this time,that your husband is away,to bond with your daughter,and try using deannas ideas,to help her feel more secure,so when your hubby returns,you'll all be back on track.I wish you and your darlin daughter the best.

Well I went through this with my son at 7 mos after he was hospitalized for a few days with the Roto virus. Unfortunately I was 4 mos pregnant at the time and needed my sleep so it ended up that my son slept with my husband in the living room on a big pad until my daughter arrived in July (this started in March). FINALLY, after several attempts to have him cry it out and giving up ourselves we said ok enough is enough and we have to make this work. After 5 months of this horrible habit it took several attempts. We started on a Friday night. We told him at 9pm it was bed time and gave him his pacifier then cuddled with him on the couch (holding him) for 5 minutes. We then took him into his room and laid him down in his crib. He cried for 5 minutes and then my husband went in there. He did not picxk him up but rubbed his back and said You are ok. He stayed in there for a few minutes tops then he cried for another 5 minutes. My husband went back in there and this time he rubbed his back for a minute and he was out. By Monday night he was put in his crib and fell right to sleep. Now keep in mind we tried the exact same thing SEVERAL times over the 5 months but he would not go for it. He cried for 45 minutes one night and I could not take it either. Persistence is key! Good luck.

PS Now I am having this trouble with my 3 month old:)