Parents Forum

poger67 · 07-07-2008, 06:14 PM

Hi all,

We have a 9 month old daughter that from ages 4mo. to about 3 days ago go to bed like a champ, and for the most part sleep all the way through the night with only a minor wake up here and there.

Starting a couple nights ago, and going on right now, she is have a major MAJOR meltdown. We've followed our scheduled and have kept 8:30 as a bedtime, given her her last bottle and then all hell breaks loose.

Mom is up there with her now and she's still wailing out of control. I know most of the columns we've read have talked about letting them cry it out (if it's not pain from ear etc.), but it's REALLY difficult. At this point right now she's inconsoleable. Any advice please?!?!?

Trina · 07-07-2008, 06:27 PM

Since she has gone to bed without problems in the past I would suspect either teething or an ear infection. Try giving her infant Tylenol and take her in to the doctor for an ear check tomorrow. I definitely would not let her cry out if she could be sick or in pain.

poger67 · 07-07-2008, 06:56 PM

We've had the ear ache before, and when she did have one she'd continue to cry even if you picked her up or held her.

Tonight, picked her and and water works were shut off like they were on a switch. You could almost hear her brain go "we won".

We probably broke all the rules but we took her out of the bedroom and brought her downstairs for some more playtime in hopes of trying to recreate the last hour or so of a typical night. Play time with both of us, followed by a bottle and then sleep. Right now we're at the bottle phase (and she hasn't cried once since we took her out of the crib).

fallon · 07-08-2008, 06:20 AM

my daughter was the same way...how long and how many naps is taking during the day?

Kaytee · 07-08-2008, 07:49 AM

could it be serpation anxiety? That is what it sounds like to me.
I don't like CIO think its kinda cruel actually. So I would say give her some extra love, this will pass. I know its not much help. But if she is just needed love and reassurance, don't you want to be the one to give it to her? I know I do. lol I do hope she sleeps better for you soon!

Dadu2004 · 07-08-2008, 07:57 AM

Does she have a bedtime teddy bear or blanket? If so, try spraying some of the perfume that you wear (if you wear any) on the item. It will reminder her of you and hopefully provide some comfort. Also, you may try taking her into the bedroom and rocking her or sitting with her for a few until she falls asleep, as opposed to putting her in her bed and walking away.

Are there any lights in the room? If not, try some nightlights. I have purple Christmas lights strung in my daughter's room to provide some soft light. She gets a bit freaked out if there's complete darkness. Maybe put on some soft classical music as well.

Beyond that, it's going to take consistency (the favorite word around here). Every night, you need to make sure that she stays in her bed...do the best you can to provide the most soothing environment, but be sure to stay consistent with bedtimes, bedtime rituals, and keeping her in her bed when it's time to go to sleep.

mom2many · 07-08-2008, 09:27 AM

Your little one is the perfect age for this to start happening, as they become more mobile and interactive, everything that once was changes. A good sleeper becomes harder to get down at night. Look at it this way, at one time not much was going on in their lives that they had to stay awake for, BUT know she can move, she see's and notices everything around her, it is all so very new!

CIO might work in the immediate, but any time a new milestone is met in her life her sleep habits will change and the you will end up back at square one, that is something that a lot of parents and books don't mention about CIO. There are good books that help deal with sleep issues. Here is one sight with a good start. These take a little longer then CIO but it is an easier transition. Everyone already mentioned the other possibilities, and this might sound kinda textbooky, but I have learned all this with 7 kids. Here is the link, good luck!

Elizabeth Pantley

Dadu2004 · 07-08-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom2many

Your little one is the perfect age for this to start happening, as they become more mobile and interactive, everything that once was changes. A good sleeper becomes harder to get down at night. Look at it this way, at one time not much was going on in their lives that they had to stay awake for, BUT know she can move, she see's and notices everything around her, it is all so very new!

CIO might work in the immediate, but any time a new milestone is met in her life her sleep habits will change and the you will end up back at square one, that is something that a lot of parents and books don't mention about CIO. There are good books that help deal with sleep issues. Here is one sight with a good start. These take a little longer then CIO but it is an easier transition. Everyone already mentioned the other possibilities, and this might sound kinda textbooky, but I have learned all this with 7 kids. Here is the link, good luck!

Elizabeth Pantley

7 KIDS! Why don't you gain a little experience first before posting advice.