Sleep problems

[AmandaMH]

I am having problems with  my 6 month old sleeping. He wont sleep for more that 20 min at a time during the day. At night he does about the same thing until I give in and put him in bed with me. I know at night I'm going to have to ween him from sleeping in my bed, but I'm not sure how. I am not comfortable with CIO at this age.  I guess the reason why I end up putting him in bed with me, is because I'm soooo tired. I have a 2 year old too, and they are going to get up regardless of if I have had any sleep.  He is cutting a tooth right now, but its the same story when he's not cutting a tooth, just less screaming. I don't know what to do with him! Its hurting my relationship with my husband, as I don't even get to go to bed at the same time as him. It's impossible to.....get some lovin if you know what I mean.  Last time we tried, we were interrupted about 5 times.....not a lot of fun. I'm about to pull my hair out! I think the little booger just has me trained. Any suggestions is appreciated!! Thanks!

Amanda

[hlsnklsx2]

DD used to be that way. When she first started sleeping through the night she didn't cry at all. I would just lay her down and she would fall asleep until about a few months ago. Now in order for her to fall asleep without crying forever and ever I have to give her a bottle then she will fall asleep in my arms and I lay her down in her crib and turn on the mobil. She is 7 almost 8 months old. It all comes with routine though. Start a bedtime routine...dinner, bath, bottle (or breast), and then bed. Eventually your LO will catch on. It might take a few nights but do it at the same time each night and it should work. If it doesn't then I don't know what to tell you. Your LO is just used to sleeping with you now so DH has to know to be patient and support you on this. Because if you don't have him to lean on or talk to while you go through this new routine deal then things might get worse because you are stressed out.

Also with the teething try putting Orajel or give teething tablets to LO after the bath. It will help with the pain from teething and may help calm him down before you try to him to bed.

[AmandaMH]

Thank you! I will try getting a routine together. Its been hard because of my 2 year old.   I read something about babies this age waking up because it is habit. Waking up to eat, but not needing to eat. I read that you stop feeding them in the middle of the night, but just comfort them in another way until they go to sleep. Have you heard of this or tried it? I will start a routine tonight, hopefully that will get us in the right direction! Thanks!

Amanda

[hlsnklsx2]

I understand what you mean when you say it is hard. My daughter is 8 months old and my son is 3 1/2. This is our routine:

4:00 - my hubby comes home

5:30 - my son has to clean up his toys (it takes him a while to get everything cleaned up)

6:00 - get dinner ready (I feed the baby her baby food at this time too) and be ready to eat no later than 6:30

7:00 - baths for both kids...i give my DD hers first , get her dressed and hand her to daddy to feed her her last bottle for the night, then DS gets his bath

7:30 - DD goes in her bed, while DS gets a few more minutes of playtime or a movie or something

8:00 - DS goes in his bed and I read him 2 books

After the kids are in bed I clean up the dishes and the rest of the night is mine and hubby's time together until we go to bed. It works out great for us. And my kids actually sleep later because of the routine. DD gets up at around 7:30 am and DS gets up around 7:00 am.

[flintb]

Even though you are not comfortable with CIO at this time, it is okay for your son. Our ped had us do it with our daughter at 3-4mths because she would get up about every 2 hrs and had to eat to go back to sleep. They should not eat in the middle of the night. Get your routine down say bed time is 8, do a feeding just before that, and that is it until probably at least 5. Babies should be getting 12 hrs of sleep at this age. Mine get 10-12, depending on when they get to bed, but they get up anywhere from 8;30-9:30. bed time is usually between 8 and 9, closer to 9. My baby (7mths) takes naps during the day, but my 2 year old does not. I wish she did, I could use the rest myself.