9 Month Old Stopped Self Soothing

A couple of thoughts:

How many naps is he taking right now? If he's still on 3, maybe he's ready to go down to 2 naps a day?

Have you experimented with his bedtime/naptime? Maybe putting him down earlier so he's not so over-tired or putting him down a little bit later so he IS tired enough to go to sleep (everyone said the former works best for babies, but the latter works better for my daughter).

Finally, it may be worth just sticking to one method. If you're going to let him cry it out or do gradual extension, then you have to stick with it for a bit until they learn to fall back asleep on their own, or else they get the message that if they cry harder, then you'll eventually come. I'm not saying that letting him cry is the best option for you, it may or may not be, but if you do choose to do it, then stick to it so he gets a consistent message.

Good luck! Hopefully it's just a short phase!

Hi S.,

Contact the La Leche League. They might have some answers since you are breast feeding.

www.lllusa.org/VA/WebTidewaterVA 1-800-525-3243

Sleep suggestions:

http://www.naturallynurturing.co.uk/sleep.html

http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/13/top/ten-ways-to-...

www.byebyecrybaby.com

www.storknet.com/guests/babymassage.htm

http://www.bellybelly.com/au/articles.baby/15-ways-to-hel...

Hope this helps. Good luck. D.

Make a call to the pediatrician. If this is a sudden change then he may not be feeling well. Consider an ear infection, or maybe even teething.

If all checks out O.K, talk to the pediatrician about emtional stuff......he is at the age for separation anxiety, and that is a very real thing.

If it is teething, a little dose of Tylenol 1/2 before a nap(for a couple of days) may do the trick.

Hi S...

It could be because he's more interested in what you and his big brother are doing and he doesn't want to miss out on anything. I personally am not a fan of cry it out but at 9 months he definitely needs his nappies. So I am sorry but I guess I don't really have any good advice for you. = (

Good luck to you.

K. - SAHM of 2 boys, 5 and 2

Its got to be something other than not wanting to sleep for such a drastic change. I would try taking him to the Dr in case its an ear infection that isn't obvious. I would also give him a dose of motrin about 20 minutes befor you lay him down to see if that helps (some babies are much more bothered by teething during quiet times when they aren't distracted).

Make sure ti is not teething or an ear infection. Laying down and or nursing may make his ears hurt. He may be wary of going into his crib becaus eof the pain.

Been there done that with all of my children (mom of 5), it's a phase of restlessness. It's normal and unfortunately will happen either for a short period of time (crossing my fingers for ya) or longer. It depends on how quickly he will surrender and go back to a regular routine. Best of luck!

J. Z.
Independent Shaklee Rep.
I'm giving away money...want some?
www.shaklee.net/Z.

When my 7-8 month old went from happy sleeper to not-so-happy sleeper, I found that the change in sleeping behavior coincided with a change in his eating habits. The reason he became inconsolable when I laid him down to sleep (he was always super easy to put to bed) was because he was thirsty and needed a bottle. Also about this age he weaned himself because nursing wasn't providing enough to keep him satisfied.
When my son can't soothe himself it's because he is thirsty. Don't know if yours is the same, but it's worth a try! you already indicated that nursing will help him calm down a little.
good luck!

At this age, he is probably teething. Try messing with his gums and if it seems as though he is hurting give him just a little tylenol.

I just start to help my baby to sleep by him self and I put him in bed when he is tired but not overtired , he plays for a few minutes by himself withsome music an a little light and when he start crying a let him cry for 5 min, I come in the room and without holding him a give him watter and put the pacifier on and put my hands on his body and eventually making a sshhh noise, he fights and roll all over the crib until he calm down , and all the time I have my hands on him. When He is calm I leave the room again and start over. If he wakes up during the night and is not for a bottle I do the same thing as soon as aI hear him and for the moment is working....I wish you the best luck... I know is hard
kisse
P.