13 month old started waking up at night, What do I do?? - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

sum1sgirl155 · 04-09-2008, 07:49 AM

My 13 month old has recently got over a bad ear infection. During that time he was waking up at night from the pain and i would bring him into bed with me to comfort him. He's always slept right through the night since he was 2 months old. He's over his infection now but I think he's figured out that if he cries in the middle of the night, I will pick him up. I was reading a book that says do not pick him up, just be beside him, or else night waking will become a habit. I tried that but I feel so bad, he just gets so upset...I feel like I'm abandoning him. So what are everyone's opinions on what's appropriate for a child that age?

red101 · 04-09-2008, 09:05 AM

I went throught a smiliar situation where my son kept waking up during the night. He would go throught periods where he would sleep during the night and then periods where he would wake up 5 or 6 times and like you said when he was sick it would be harder to get him back into that routine. I would pick him up and tell him he was fine and mommy was right next door. I would hug him and kiss him but I always put him back in his crib. I would either lay down beside his crib or sit by the door and I did this for as many nights as it took. When it comes to the night routine I do believe in consistency and perservering. There have been times where I am completely exhausted going to work but this is what works for me and my husband and it pays of in the end because he goes to bed at 7:30 or 8:00, I kiss him goodnight and leave him in his crib awake and he falls asleep until about 7 the next day.

I know it is hard to watch your baby cry trust me it was really hard for me when he would cry that I wanted to just bring him into the bed with me. You have to do what works for you and what is important to you and don't feel guilty about what you decide.

Tiff24 · 04-09-2008, 10:16 AM

We are having a very similar problem with our 14 month old. He was sick with a sore throat and an ear infection but was feeling better last week (I think he's sick again though). While he was sick I would pick him up and rock him back to sleep when he would cry in the middle of the night. He has now figured out that he can cry when he just wants some company, I'm really trying to break this habit. We switched him to a big bed last week so I'm trying to deal with that change and the fact that he doesn't feel well. He's become VERY clingy since he was sick and I think that is a lot of the problem at night. I really hope someone gives you some good advice 'cause I'm needing some too!

sum1sgirl155 · 04-10-2008, 08:15 PM

Anyone else have anything to offer?

Tiff24 · 04-10-2008, 08:31 PM

Geesh, I thought for sure someone would have some advice. This is what I've been doing the past few days for naps and bedtime... I tried just sitting next to his bed 'til he fell asleep but after a few minutes he would look to make sure I was still there and he just would not go to sleep. So, I just started cuddling for a few minutes, (standing, I didn't lay down with him) told him it was night night time, said "I love you" and kissed him, layed him down and walked out. He cried for a few minutes the first night I did this, which BROKE MY HEART, but he really hasn't cried much after that. Since he started putting himself to sleep again we haven't had any problems with him crying at night. My advice would be to try to let him put himself to sleep. It sounds like he has made this a habit and he just like's the company when he wakes up.