1 Year-old Suddenly Gives Hard Time Falling Asleep and Wakes up at Night!!!

Is he learning to walk right now? Both of my girls had a harder time sleeping when they were learning to walk. It was almost like they were so excited to walk that they didn't want to do ANYTHING else!

A growth spurt could also account for his being hungry at night, feeling cranky during the day, and the other symptoms.

And the ear infection is definitely not helping your cause. I'd get the prescription filled and get him on the antibiotics before that gets any worse. I've been through double ear infections and let me tell you, that's a living hell for all involved. Avoid it at all costs.

So, I would say with the combination of the ear infection, teething, learning to walk, having had the flu, maybe a growth spurt... it's no wonder he's having a bad couple of weeks! Take care of the ear infection and then just muscle through the rest of it - it will pass soon enough even though it doesn't feel like it now! Just keep putting him to bed as you always have, and make sure to do it before he gets super cranky and tired. Maybe move his bedtime back to 6-6:30pm and he may actually have an easier time falling asleep, believe it or not.

Hang in there, mama! Things will get better! =)

12 months is a transition time for most kids and can affect their sleep. Also, teething, changes in routine.. almost anything can impact their sleep. My son did better when we started bed time much sooner. Teething seems to have the biggest impact on his sleeping. We use motrin or tylenol when we notice a significant soreness/redness on his gums. It will get better! Just keep doing your routine. My son sleeps better at daycare sometimes than he does for me. They are really good about being able to put them down and work with them. It will be ok! He can also sense your frustration and anxiety. Our son has chronic ear problems that also change his sleeping and make it hard for him to rest. If they think he has an infection the medicine could help tremendously. It will get better!

Every baby I have ever known has gone through phases of poor sleep. Sometimes it's illness or other discomfort, like teething. Often it's a period of faster growth that makes them hungrier, and they wake up needing food. And certain stages of daytime development, especially the large motor skills like crawling or walking, gets a baby so stimulated they have a hard time falling asleep, or wake up frequently or earlier than usual. Sometimes it's a major change in the family, like moving or travel. Or a major change in his schedule, like starting or changing daycare.

What you're describing might be night terrors, which are pretty common and can start as early as 9 months. Read more here: http://www.babycenter.com/0_night-terrors_142.bc

My ten month old is doing the exact same thing. Last night he was up at 11pm and I couldn't get him back to sleep...he never does that!!! But,like others have said, he is starting to walk, so I think that has a lot to do with it. Usually, when they're developing a new skill, their sleep habits tend to change. I bet you'll find he'll start doing something new in the next few days (walking, talking, etc). You may also want to have his ears re-checked if you're concerned about that (just for peace of mind). I was convinced last night my little one must have had a raging ear infection, but of course, he's fine this morning!

Good luck. Remember, everything is a phase and this too shall pass (even if it feels like forever!!!)

Hi R.!
I hope this finds you well.
It could very well be teething. My daughter had a lot of trouble around 15 months when she had a bunch of teeth coming in--she was always a great sleeper and suddenly was waking up screaming. If giving Motrin/Tylenol seems to help that could be it, but if you're really concerned, could you have his ears checked again? Is it possible the potential ear infection has worsened? Also, it can take time after an illness for little ones to get back on track...
Good luck and take care. I pray he'll be back to his usual self soon. And don't worry, he will!