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6 month old really tired

Rebecca - posted on 04/21/2009 ( 6 moms have responded )

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My six month old daughter is extremely tired lately. she is still eating fine and is sleeping much better at night but seemd to be constantly cranky and exhausted. She has teethed in the past and has five teeth, but this doesn't seem to be teething. any ideas? I find if i go to the doc with a conern they don't really address it unless i have an idea of what it could be...

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Rebecca - posted on 04/24/2009

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Has she been learning or working on a lot of new skills? Maybe just wearing herself out.

Kelly - posted on 04/24/2009

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Probably a growth spurt but regardless, if she's tired, try to get more sleep in. I was shocked at how much my oldest slept as a baby - she'd sleep 7am - 7pm and nap for one hour in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Felt like I never spent quality time with her but as she got older, she was able to hold her own more in the day. So, do what you can to put her down earlier or more naps in the day. Take her cues and go with them. Good luck!

Vanessa - posted on 04/22/2009

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it would be EXTREMELY rare for an exclusively breastfed baby to be iron deficient at 6 months of age.

Geralyn - posted on 04/21/2009

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I agree with Bethany that it may very well be a growth spurt. If it continues past a week, one thought I had was that I learned from our pediatrician that iron reserves that the baby has from birth may be depleted by 3-6 months. While breastmilk provides for some iron, it may not be sufficient. [If she is eating iron fortified cereal or other foods, then she may be getting enough.] A simple bloodtest would show whether there is an iron deficiency, which is adjusted for with iron-rich foods and possibly a liquid iron supplement. I believe that an iron deficiency could cause the baby to be tired. Just a thought...

Bethany - posted on 04/21/2009

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Hi Rebecca!

Around six months babies go through a major growth spurt. I've noticed that, every time my daughter has a growth spurt, she needs a LOT more sleep than normal. I'd say it sounds completely normal, especially since your daughter is eating well and doesn't have any other symptoms. Of course, if you're worried, take her in, but I'd say that she just needs more sleep right now since her body is using all the energy it can spare for this time in her development.

One other thing: does she take naps? At six months most babies need about 3 naps during the day, along with sleeping all night. If you want I can give you my daughter's schedule at that age, just to see what one would look like. Sometimes it helps to get an example. :) I know that has helped me a lot.

All the best!
Bethany

Maila - posted on 04/21/2009

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hi rebecca =)



maybe your baby is not yet settled with a regular routine... my baby was like that before but when i was able to have a regular routine (reading, playing,eating,etc. before and after nap time) she feels calm and happy =)

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