Expert: ruth kraft - 12/17/2009

Question
I nurse my 8.5 month old son to sleep for naps and at night, but he seems to wake up at night often 15 - 45 min after going to sleep, and nothing will settle him other than nursing. I haven't minded it but lately it feels like it's getting worse and my evenings are spent putting him back to sleep, over and over. Is  this a phase, and will it pass? If I'm in bed with him, it's often not as big of a problem since he seems so sleep better, but I don't want to go to bed at 7pm every night!! Any suggestions? Is this a problem at this age?

Answer
Well, Most babies start a growth spurt right around now. So there is a chance that is what is aggrivating it and he may get into a more normal pattern after 9.5 months or so. It could be a few things, he needs the comfort for an emotional need that he has, ( which is just as important as a physical one ) or he has a physical issue like teething that you don't know about that isnt serious. He could also be doing it out of habit. The problem is it is hard to know which one it is. It is only a problem if it is a problem for you. I woudl suggest getting Susan pantleys book called" the no cry sleep solution." which will help you understand sleep patterns and also encourage him to sleep on his own. Its a much more gentler, supportive way than crying it out. :)

Good luck!


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