Another Sleeping Question

I have three sons...breast fed them all. My pediatrician did not always think breast was best...but the point is a mom knows what their child needs. Put the little one in your bed or feed him. Food is not going to hurt him. Maybe he's having a growth spurt? He could be collicky? I dunno. Either way, hold your baby-make him feel secure, he has a lifetime to be on his own. Put him in your bed. They all eventually leave the bed. Believe me. I would not medicate him if holding works. He loves your smell, you are love and security. I am a really active mom too. A three time athlete in highschool. My boys love to crawl into our bed in the morning still.

What time does he go to sleep at night? If he is getting close to 12 hours a night I wouldn't worry about it. We got to the point with both our kids where we just ignored them until 7am- because that was the time when we decided it was ok for them to wake up. My kids are different sleepers... and it worked for both of them. May take some time. 20 minutes of hysterical isn't too long in my opinion. Note: It is easier to sleep train before kids are standing up, etc. than when they are older... even if it is hard on your ears. The end result is the goal- and if you know they are ok... they just need to be trained to sleep longer.

Hi S.. I know what you are going through. My now 12 year old son did the same thing! Around 6 months old they do have a growth spurt. With this they do eat more. So he may be a little more hungry. Monitor how much he is eating before bed. You may just need to adjust it.I would forgo the Tylenol, unless you know he is actually having pain. But you are his mom and your instincts tell you if he is or not, not to mention his mood. My son did this 4am wake up time on and off for 4 years. He always slept better with a really full tummy.Ironically, I am now going through the same thing with my 3 year old daughter. He is still too young to manipulate you so relax and reassure him that you are still nearby or hold him.Boys tend to want to be held and cuddled more! Good luck. They grow up way too fast, enjoy every second that you can.

Hi S.,

Here's my 2 cents! When you experience several nights in a row and start to feel the effects of sleep deprivation, I know it can be frustrating & you can start to have doubts. My 8 month old has done the same thing & I've occasionally pulled out the tylenol "just in case" he really is in pain so I know how you feel. Just remember, it's a phase! This won't last forever!

Seems like there's 2 ways to go here with all the advice: pick him up, feed him and/or bring him into bed with you OR try to reassure him & let him work through it & soothe himself back to sleep. My husband & I both have trouble sleeping sometimes & we've had to work on our own habits so teaching our children to self soothe & go back to sleep on their own has been really important to us. Also, my husband has accidentally clobbered me in his sleep so having an infant in the bed w/us was really not an option! We pretty much followed the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" (actually, I usually call me sister for the cliff notes because when I need advice the most, I'm to tired to read the book =) We call her the sleep guru- she's got 3 kids with awesome sleep habits & their very secure even though she didn't run & pick them up when they were babies). As a result, our 3 1/2 year old is a great sleeper & everyone comments on what a happy child he is.

Sometimes the night waking can also be because your baby is overtired. You know how people say, "oh he's up late, he should sleep great tonight!" NOT TRUE. Remember this: "Sleep begets sleep" and "it's not logical, it's biological". Ever been up past your normal bedtime, overstimulated & had a hard time going to sleep? Same for babies & at 6 months, he would rather be awake & play with you & see what's going on instead of napping. So I would wonder how is daytime napping is going. That has a huge affect on how he will sleep at night. I think at 6 months, his daytime nap rythm might still maturing. Again, this is biological & it will work out!

Anyway, you have to decide which approach you & your husband are comfortable with. Hope this helps & good luck! -M.

listen to you instincts!!! if you feel that he truly is hungry, feed him. if you feel that all he needs is to be picked up, hold him. you really can't spoil a baby by giving him what he needs. in order to SURVIVE healthily, babies need to feel secure.

in a case like this, mother's instincts are often far better than what the pediatrician says.

there's a lot of information on touch and infant development and how it affects our physical and emotional needs FOR A LIFETIME.

giving water to an infant under 1 isn't necessary. the only thing he should be having is breastmilk and solids (if you've introduced those already, which you should have by 6 months).

you might be interested in learning more about attachment parenting. good luck!

Our son was waking two to three times a night until 11 MONTHS. I know this might sound crazy, but now that he sleeps through, I occasionally miss some of those late night comforting sessions in our comfy rocker by the light of the moon. My only advice is hang on for the ride and try to enjoy even the pain of sleep deprivation. They change so fast. If you and your husband could take turns, you could at least count on a good nights' sleep every other night?

Please don't give your baby tylenol. That shouldn't be used to sedate a child. It should only be used for extreme pain.

It's normal for babies to cry. This could last well into your son's second year, so it's best to have another coping strategy.
Your child is growing and is hungry and he needs to be fed.
The world, especially seen from a crib, can be a scary place. So he needs to be comforted.
Ask your partner to take turns with him at night and see if you husband/partner can give him a bottle.

Hi S.,
I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and a soon to be 1 year old son. Both of them did that at about 6 months and again at about 9 months. My ped told me not to feed in the middle of the night after 6 months old because they are habit forming at this age and they need to learn to self soothe. You need to go in and check to see he's OK and let him feel you are there for him, but try to avoid picking him up. I would go in and rub their backs, coo them or talk softly. Once calmed down say, it's time to sleep now and leave the room. Give him 5 minutes, if still crying, go back in and do the same thing. If still crying after 10 minutes, repeat and keep adding 5 minutes as necessary. With both my loves they stopped by the 3rd night. Hopefully you are as lucky. Best wishes to you...