How do I stop my 9mth old from waking 2/3 times a night!

Jennifer - posted on 12/03/2010

Thank you Laura. I do use baby orajel and tylenol when I think she's in discomfort, often before going to bed and had hoped it would work but the waking up continues unfortunately. My husband and I are quite schedule-driven and we still ahve to learn that Amy has a schedule all of her own sometimes! My expectations are that Amy will eat the same types of foods every day but it's been fluctuating as you say, due to a variety of factors. I'll discuss everything with the doctor next week, as you suggest. I really appreciate your advice and I'll give the blanket option a go; I have a little one that would be perfect for her. Thanks again!

Laura - posted on 12/03/2010

It sounds like there might be a couple of very normal things going on: Teething, growth changes and separation anxiety. Too bad they have to hit all at the same time!

First, teething could be causing some pain that wakes your daughter at night. Orajel on the gums or a bit of infant pain reliever before bed might help that.

Kids fluxuate in eating depending on how quickly or slowly they are growing at that moment. Your daughter might not be eating as much because she is in a growth slow-down at the moment. Just keep offering her healthy foods and let her eat what she wants--kids are much better than adults about eating what the NEED and not much more! Since you have a doctor's appointment coming up you will be able to discuss these concerns then, so relax!

Finally, children can start to develop separation anxiety at about this age--that stage of develpoment where they begin to understand that mom and dad are separate beings from them. This realization can be a bit scary for little kids and they often become clingy. Teaching your daughter how to comfort herself, instead of relying on you for comfort, begins around this age. If she is able to go back to sleep without you being present, then you are right on track! This is where a favorite blanket (one that you have slept with so that it carries your scent) can come in handy. Remember that all of these things are stages in your baby's development and that they will pass in time. Patience will be your best parenting tool right now. Before you know it, your little one won't be so little! Hope this helped and good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 12/03/2010

I tried a sippy cup when the bottle didn't work just as I was weaning her off BF but I haven't tried it since as she seemed to be doing "ok" with the bottle but that's something I should try. Amy (my daughter's name too!) has solds 3 times a day. Oatmeal in the morning and the last meal of the day, sometimes with yogurt or fruit as a dessert. For lunch I usually give vegs with something, pasta or whole grains, but because of her reflux she hasn't really gone much past the stage 2 foods yet. I do give finger foods when I can and she likes this. I try formual before the food and it's hit and miss. In fact I usually just make up a 2oz bottle every hour inbetween feeds to see if she'll take it but invariably she doesn't. I'm lucky in that I haven't gone back to work yet, I feel for you having the same problem but having to go to work too. Had I still been BF I would have nursed her when she woke too as it's the easiest thing, that's kind of why I am just feeding her when she wakes but think, she's taking it so she must need it?? I'll try the sippy cup, thank you for the suggestion. Good luck with your night owl too!

Amy - posted on 12/03/2010

My daughter is 8 months old and I haven't weened her yet but she has started this as well! She has slept through the night on most occasions since she was 2 months old, she just got her first bottom tooth so I think that has a lot to do with it. I give her a couple of minutes to see if she'll settle back to sleep if not I nurse her. Have you tried a sippy cup to see if your little one prefers that? How many times a day does your little one get solids, do you offer the formula first? I think for my little girl it's a combination of teething and seperation anxiety and not so much hunger but because I work a full time job I just nurse her back to sleep, as it is I've had to leave work on a couple of occasions because I was exhausted, lol!