Having problems getting to sleep at a regular time - Parenting Issues Message Board

Sherri-Lynne · 10-26-2003, 12:54 AM

I am having such a hard time getting my 8 month old to go to bed at a regular time. I've tried letting her cry (for hours once), but she just gets more worked up. I've tried a routine. Bath, rub down with lotion, story, bottle then cuddle time. But then she is up a couple of hours later and won't go back to sleep. I've even tried not letting her nap at night time (from 5-8 o'clock). But then she gets so cranky it's unbearable. She recently got 2 teeth but it's not the teething that's been keeping her up all night, it doesn't seem to bother her anymore. I've been trying everything for months. Last night she went to bed at 5:30 am. It's alright for my husband and I cause we work until 4:30 am but no one wants to watch her because she goes to bed so late. Any suggestions?

[This message has been edited by Sherri-Lynne (edited 10-26-2003).]

gillian30 · 10-26-2003, 02:37 PM

There is a wonderful web site called askdrsears.com, and he is an experienced pediatrician who gives great advice on how to make bed time an enjoyable, relaxing time for both you and your child. You'll find lots of ideas there.

I'm not ever in favor of letting a baby cry things out, it rarely works and especially at 8 months they really are trying to signal you that they need something. It could be an ear infection, stomach ache, tooth pain, or just plain fear of the dark or a need for more contact. My advice is always to go back into the room and keep trying to locate the source of the problem.

Good luck!