I do not know what to do. My son is 6 months old and he wont sleep at night anymore. Help!

Amber - posted on 01/21/2010

I thought i was the only one that had that problem my son was over a year old and still didnt sleep all night now that hes 4 its got alot better.. I guess it just takes time :)

Erika - posted on 01/21/2010

Try using white noise to help him settle by himself, do NOT pick him up or he'll think it's time for play, do NOT light the lights on... white noise can be something as simple as an hairdryer or a vaccuum cleaner on. It sounds noisy but it makes you sleep, trust me. The only problem is turning it off will probably make him wake up again, you have to lower the intensity of the sound before turning it off (lower power, get it into the next room, etc). Or get a white noise CD or machine with the sounds of the rain, its great.
Both my kids were like that since 4 wks old and that's how I survived. To this day I still turn on the ventilator for them to sleep while the neighbours are noisy..

Anita Louise - posted on 01/21/2010

Hey Sonia, Anita's my name. l have to boys James is 2 and a half and Ryan is 17 and a half mnths, both of my boys kept me up alot of the time. but if your son has been a good sleeper and then all of a sudden changed his sleeping pattern it could be cos either he's teething, or he could be having growth spurts and needing more to eat of an evening. these are things that l found with my boys but it could be more serious to depends on whether hes waking crying or happy? and how frequently he is waking. or has there been any changes in you house hold cos this can have an effect to. if he sleeps in a cot in your room maybe he needs to go in his own room as he becomes more aware of your presence there of a night and vice versa if hes in his own room try putting his cot in your room to see if that comforts his my knowing your close by???. ok good luck hope some of my babbling is of help. all the best.

Sarina - posted on 01/20/2010

I know it sounds harsh, but remove all toys and play things from the bedroom. Close the door making sure there is nothing he can grab. But let him wander around in his room all alone. He will get bored and go to sleep.

Christina - posted on 01/19/2010

At that age my son was awake a lot ,too. But it helped when he started on cereal, I think he woke up hungry.
My son was also tested for sleep problems in his early teens, he has sleep apnea, but they said that doesn't account for everything. All of the research said you need to have the same routine at the same time every night, The people at the center had a lot of ideas for all ages. No screen time for 2 hours before bed, darkened room, with night light, same order for bath, teeth, singing, books, getting pajamas on, going to the bathroom, every night. Even said it was best to read the same book, sing same song, wear the same pajamas...involve all senses, what they see, hear, smell, same snack before bed if applicable. keep everything constant.
The hardest part is after you know they are dry, safe, etc, you have to let them cry and learn to self sooth (back to babies, not teens) My sisters doctor told her to leave the room and let her baby cry 5 - 10 min.before going in, She goes to bed wonderfully now. but it took a few weeks, and is still hard when away from home.

Natalie - posted on 01/19/2010

try to use a night light that travels across the ceiling. i also bought a mp3 player and filled it with music and stories and plugged it into her stereo. she seemed to listen to the voices on the player and it helped to make it not so quiet. i would try and do away with a sleep too and see how that goes.

Sonia - posted on 01/19/2010

He only sleeps like fifteen minutes at a time...maybe three times a day. He is teething though so maybe that it.

Leanne - posted on 01/19/2010

have you tried cutting out one of his day sleeps??...other then that im sorry but i have no other ideas!!...my youngest is 4 and a half and has only just sleeping through the night..he didn't from birth...ony slept 5 hours a night. you do get used to lacck of sleep over time and your body accomodates for it!