My 7 Month Old

Our almost 7 mo. old started to have sleeping problems following a cold when he was 5 mo. For about 3 weeks we delt with minimal sleep and it never seemed to get better. Finally, I gave into my husband's wishes and we decided to let Drake CIO. We've always had a bedtime routine, so I think that helped. At first, when we'd just lay him down at night he'd cry for 15-20 mins. But with in a week he would go right down at bedtime. We also followed the same thing at nap time.

When he'd wake up in the middle of the night, we'd let him cry for 10 mins and then go and check on him -- giving a little pat, his pacifier back and maybe a few soothing words. We DO NOT pick him up. At first, he'd scream for 15 - 60 mins. Now he still wakes up at night usually at least once, but he'll fuss (no screaming) for 10 mins or less and go back to sleep.

So, in all things are much better. And we do get 1-3 days a week where he doesn't wake up at all.

I know everyone keeps saying that he "may be hungry" but babies are supposed to be able to go through the night starting around 5 months. And my Dr. said that many people feed their babies even when they are not hungry because they think that is what is going on.

Our plan is to do the soothing up to an hour and then pick up our son. If he continues to cry, there is something wrong -- but if he calms down it is just for attention. Also, we feed him well through out the day.

I agree with the other post. If everything is okay, just let the baby cry it out for a little while. It usually only takes a couple of nights for your sweetie to understand that it's sleep time and not play time. :)

my daughter just turned 2 last week and is finally consistently sleeping through the night. try letting the baby cry a little before you go in to his room. Its just a part of life tending to the night needs of your baby. Make it short and sweet when you go in, try not to talk to him, but feed him, change him, hug him, whatever he needs. Just do it quick and get him back into bed. It doesnt last forever.

We've worked through a lot of sleep problems with our 10-month-old. He's still not perfect, but always getting better! What is your baby? How often is he/she waking? Is he/she hungry? Do you feed him/her? Where does the baby sleep? What do you do when he/she wakes at night? How does the baby respond to your efforts? Why do you think your baby is waking? Food? Company? Can't get back to sleep? Does he/she act no longer tired and ready wake up during night wakings?
I'm no expert, but I am a former teacher/expert in behavior modification and have read lots of sleep-help books for my little guy (who now only wakes once or twice to eat, and actually puts himself to sleep!!!! Such an accomplishment!).

Hi B.,
From my experienced they tend to wake up for a few reasons. They are hungry, thirsty, teething , or are just fussing and if you leave them alone, they'll go back to sleep. My 18 month old found if he heard his daddy come home from work (Usually about 1:30am second shifter :) ) he could cry and get fed. When the growth spurt was over, he still woke up but didn't eat. I finally told him to let him cry. In a few days, maybe a week he was back to sleeping through the night.
Hope that helps.

I would just make sure that you are giving cereal and bottle right before bed to keep the belly full. You might have to let baby cry it out to get used to sleeping through the night again. Remember, it's harder on you than it is on them (to hear the crying). If you don't get into a good system now it only gets harder later when they are older.
Good luck,
J.

I am going through the same thing with my 11 month old. She was sleeping through the night until she got a double ear infection...now she won't sleep through on a consistant basis. My hubby is horrible at letting her cry. So he is gone this week and I am letting her CIO. I also have tried everything. Sorry I don't have much advice, just wanted to give you some support!
Good luck!!!