naptime/bedtime strike... please help!

Jaime - posted on 01/07/2010

Hi...we went through the same problem with our daughter (she's now 8 mths). When she hit 6 mths she wouldn't go down at all. It got to the point where just putting her into her cot set her off screaming...to the point where she was sick on a couple of occasions. We brought this book called "Save Our Sleep" by Tizzie Hall, which has really helped us. She comments on the need and importance for a really strong routine, which it sounds as though you have. We are feeding at 5pm, bath time at 5:30pm, bottle and reading a book at 6:30 and bedtime is 7pm. I'm even saying similar things to her as we're walking to her room and finish by telling her I love her, kissing her, stroking her cheek and leaving the room. I think Emily is now able to read the signs and can anticipate what is going to happen, so that when she is put into her cot...it isn't a shock for her. We also tried the controlled-crying method with Emily. I was completely against this to begin with, but we got to the point where nothing else was working for us (she would go to sleep in the car or pram...but as soon as you put her into her cot, she would wake up). We put Emily to bed and she would start crying...we left it 5 mins before going in to calm for a minute...then walk out. Left it for 10 mins before doing the same..then 15 mins etc...until she went to sleep. The first night we got to 40 mins before she put herself to sleep. I will be completely honest and say it was one of the hardest things I have ever done and it almost broke my heart. My husband and I came to the agreement that we would see it though, and I'm glad he was there to help...I don't think I could have coped if it was just me. On the up-side, within a week and a half of starting it, Emily is now being put into her cot awake and is putting herself to sleep (after a couple mins of protest crying). I'm also doing this for her day-time naps as well...and so far so good. As she's been going to sleep at roughly 7pm, she's been able to get in 11-12 hrs of sleep at night. I've been amazed at how quickly she has adapted and she is so much better for it. I thought it may have been teething...but none as yet and there was no ear-infection either. I found putting her to sleep in an all-in-one babysuit more comfortable for her too. I hope that helps with your situation?? Hopefully it's just a phase for you and you'll be able to work through it!! It's hard, but be persistent...Good luck with it :)

Kelly - posted on 01/07/2010

I would say that if this is something that just recently started, I agree that it is probably teething or ear infection.

However, if this is something that has been going on for a bit, it could very possibly be that he may be a colic baby. My second child was a colic baby and he was the same way. Colic babies have an irritated tummy and they are very uncomfortable so it is harder for them to fall asleep. My son would only fall asleep in my arms, then wake up as soon as I layed him down. You may want to talk to your pediatrician, it could be as simple as changing his formula to a Soy formula or one with less Iron and also I used to use mylacon drops which helped a little bit.

Good Luck!

Chenai - posted on 01/07/2010

baby is probably feeling discomfort. my son does that at times and i bath him. get johnson and johnson bedtime products. on the product containers, it is written that they help your baby sleep better with naturalcalm aromas. this may help, it works for me

Cindy - posted on 01/07/2010

check his pjs they may be uncomfortable or something else may be making him uncomfortalble. my daughter did that for days when she was little. i was ready to lay down and cry with her i couldnt figure out what was wrong. i changed the kind of pjs she was wearing and that was all it was. they were itching her i guess. and of course she couldnt tell me what was wrong. all babies will fall asleep in a car but if they are hurting or uncomfortable, they wont stay aleep.

Jolene - posted on 01/07/2010

My advice is the same as above. If this is not normal for him, check to make sure he doesn't have an ear infection, or isn't teething. 6 months is a normal age for teeth to start showing up.

Crystal - posted on 01/07/2010

How long has he been doing this for? Becuase my son started doing that then i found out he had an ear infection. but if its not that then maybe you can try some peacfull music and a nice hot bath..a warm bottle before bed. Try getting his tummy nice and full..they also have this bed time lotion from Johnson and Johnson. works great. it calms down my son so much. sorry i couldn't have been more help. but hopefully something in this line does work..good luck

Annette - posted on 01/07/2010

maybe he is teething or uncomfortable in some way. try a baby tylenol. good luck!

Annette - posted on 01/07/2010

maybe he is teething or uncomfortable in some way. try a baby tylenol. good luck!