Sleeping - Little Elm,TX

Updated on January 11, 2007
C.C. asks from Little Elm, TX
4 answers

HELP!!! My six month old was sleeping through the night since he was 4 1/2 months old, and all of a sudden, he's waking up 3 or 4 times a night wanting to be held and rocked back to sleep. He doesn't act like he's in pain or teething, so I think he's just wanting to be held, but I'm not sure. He was a preemie at 4 pound and a month early, so he's always been a little more high-maintenance than most babies, but I feel like we're going backwards....I liked it better when he slept all night! What am I supposed to do? I honestly don't think I can let him cry it out. He gets really hysterical and I don't think he can calm himself down at that point. And he's still very small, so I don't want to stress his body out by letting him cry too long. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!
Thanks,
Christie

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J.

answers from Dallas on

Christie,

Is your little guy receiving ECI services in your area? If so, talk to them about what is going on and they can help. If you are not receiving ECI services you can call 800-628-5115 to find your local program and talk to someone. ECI works with children from birth to their third birthday that have a developmental concern. This can be behaviors, eating and so many other things! I know this does not help right now but it is something that is available in all communities so it is a good resource.

Keep us informed of what happens.

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G.F.

answers from Dallas on

If there's any history of asthma in your family, you should see your doctor. He might be lying on his back, then suddenly get short of breath or might be choking on saliva passing down his throat, trying to elevate his head when sleeping might help. Then again, it could just as well be a short passing stage. A baby always needs to know their mothers presence is near. Once the baby realizes your are able to respond when he needs you, things will go back to normal (although this process might seem like an eternity). It's hard to tell what's going on in your baby's body and mind, but trying different things will help you understand better.

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

It's ok. My son did exactly the same thing. My pediatrician said that he may just be having some separation anxiety. My mother in law said we should let him cry it out. The pediatrician said when he was 6 months old we could do this. It was awefull. The first night he cried for almost an entire hour. The next night is was about 40 minutes. The third night it was 7 minutes. The fourth night about 2 minutes. As a rule of thumb now, if he wakes up crying, we wait 15-20 minutes before going to him, unless he wakes up screaming. After that I go in, check the diaper, and hold him about 2 minutes or so. I have had alot of trouble with my sons sleep pattern changing so really you have to do what you can handle. I really believe you know what is best for the baby and sleep will resume to normal. Nap when you can and best of luck!

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D.W.

answers from Dallas on

Hi Christie,
First of all I want to say that it's normal that they change their routines or behaviors. Just like some babies who don't start sleeping through the night until they are 3-6 old, it's normal for a baby to start waking up at night. I'm not a parent who can let my baby cry it out. My feeling on that is I wanted my kids (babies) to know that mommy and daddy are here for their needs and we only know their needs from their crying. His need for food might be changing, so maybe he is hungry? Also has his nap times or duration changed recently? My youngest son just wanted some skin to skin contact. He is two now and at time still wakes up at night (not all of the time) and he rubs my arm to sooth himself back to sleep. If this is the case, once he is calmed down, try laying him back in his crib, but hold his hand or rub his leg, belly, back, etc to see if this makes him go back to sleep. This might just be a temporary thing, or it might last for a while. Keep trying different things. Good luck. D.

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