10 Month Old Not Sleeping Correctly?

Updated on March 18, 2008
J.F. asks from Bellport, NY
8 answers

My 10 month old son started to not want to sleep. Putting him for naps has become an hour to-do. He stands up in his crib and he's to scare to let go so he stands until I put him down. The only way I can get him to sleep is to let him cry for 5 minutes (while he's standing) and than lay him back down...

Can anyone help with some sleeping tricks.

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J.G.

answers from Albany on

YES!!! I went through the same problems and my doctor gave me a life saving idea. She said to wear a t-shirt all day, under your clothes or whatever - make sure it smells like you - your purfume, body lotion, sweat (gross, I know) and to put it in his crib with him, along with a bottle of water and an extra binkie. As soon as I handed my son the t-shirt, he pressed it to his nose and collapsed on it. I stayed there next to the crib. Every once in a while, he looked up to make sure I was there and within 5 minutes, I was able to leave. He was 9 months old when we started this. He's now 14 months and still loves mama's t-shirt. He's napping right now with three of them. I did have to start putting the water and extra binkie in his crib after he went to sleep at night as he was draining the bottle before he fell asleep. Good luck!

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T.S.

answers from New York on

I had this same problem, and my pediatrician said to let him stand until he fell; either fell asleep standing up or fell down in the crib. He would *howl* for 5-10 minutes, sometimes longer, and then collapse in a heap sound asleep! After I got over the initial surprise at this behavior, I found it funny to check on him sleeping in this most uncomfortable-looking position. I didn't move him at all, I figured if he got uncomfortable, he'd move himself. Sometimes he would, and other times he'd sleep for 1-2 hours like that. Didn't bother him a bit, and he's been a great sleeper ever since. Best of luck!

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L.K.

answers from New York on

Hey. I have a 9 1/2 month old who has decided to do the same thing. He does not like to go down for naps...he stands in his crib and cries as well. He also does not like to go to sleep at night...he fights it and cries. It is very frustrating because I know he is exhausted. I would love to know what others have to say about this as well. I do remember saying that my now 5y/o was a good sleeper until he hit 8 1/2 months. Maybe it's the age, maybe it's b/c they are teething? Any insight or tips would be great.

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D.F.

answers from Albany on

J.,
My husband and I did the cry it out method of getting both of our children to go to sleep without complication. Some people my not agree but it made the biggest difference for our sanity. In fact, we have a few friends with children the same age and they would alway make note of how easy our bedtime routine went. They all would ask how we did it. Some agreed with us and some disagreed with us. The bottom line is that it works!!! Your son is the very same age of my children when we went for it. I will say it was a very tough week on my heart but it has paid off.
Bedtime is the time to start. I say that because if you have the bedtime to an understanding than the nap will be a breeze(your child willl still go through stages of strong will but as long as you stick to being consistant it should be fine). Do your night routine(brush teeth, PJ's, song, read book, etc.) and then let him know that it is time to sleep. Be as loving and reasuring as possible. Lay him down with tons of kisses and a smile. If he starts to cry go back in and without picking him up lay him back down. Let him know that he is fine and that it is time for bed. Then leave. Be short and sweet. The first few nights are torture because this could carry on for and hour or so. If your husband is home take turns going in. At first go in a couple of time about five minutes apart then start to go a little longer. Then ten minutes then fifteen. I know that when we did this with our first child I was crying as hard as she was. It's in our blood that we shouldn't let our children cry so this is a test of your will power. Being calm is key. After three nights of this same routine it was like magic!!! I could put them to sleep anywhere(at a friends home, in-laws, hotel). It was a very emotionally thing to do for me but I am soo thankful that my husband insisted that we do this. Life felt completely normal after we did this. Bedtime has till this day been a wonderful time for my children and us. We get to enjoy those last moments of the day with them rather than dread them. Please let me know how you make out and if you have any questions about what I wrote please feel free to ask!
D.

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M.H.

answers from New York on

My son is 11 months old and is the same right now. He either sits up crying or stands up in his crib for naps and in the middle of the night when he wakes. I let him cry it out a few times in a row (once for 45 minutes) and it was really hard, but now he knows to go back to sleep. I'd try letting him cry until he puts himself back to sleep - he'll figure out how to lay back down. A lot of people I know also have a crib aquarium and he can push it himself and it may distract him until he goes back to sleep.

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M.K.

answers from New York on

Well,
at 10 months they usually sleep less during the day,

Either 2 short naps or one long one
if he wakes at 7am try putting him down for a nap at 12pm and then he should wake by 2:30-3pm no later

he should have 4-5 hours between the nap from waking to nap time
and from naptime til bedtime

If he is standing its because he can, try prying his little fingers off the sides and letting him PLOP down to the mattress, showing him its safe, and then show him how to bend his knees to get back down, this will help him.

ITs getting warmer now but, what i would do, is put him down
quietly kiss him and then give him a pacifier, and pet his head, then cover him with a few heavy blankets, kind to trap him but not so many that he can't breathe,just to limit his mobility, ( remove some after he falls asleep)

rub his head and put music on, i like to use the Aqua sounds
by fisher price, it attaches to the crib.

I never talk, because this stimulates them,

and i leave the room.

Make sure the sun doesn't hit him in the eyes or anything.

Its very normal for them to stand when they know that the can, as long as your NO NONSENSE about it, he will stop.

BUT UH just keep an eye on him now and perhaps lower the mattress to the lowest --We wouldn't want him climbing out now would we...LOL ( because that starts soon enough )

M

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M.R.

answers from New York on

having 7 chidren myself........hes probably getting teeth which can change the sleep pattern, he may have discomfort while laying down, try tylenol. after you comfort him, let him cry.....its ok, 5 minutes is nothing. god luck mom

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P.H.

answers from Albany on

My oldest son never liked to sleep. When he was a newborn, the only way he slept was in an infant swing. Some children outgrow their naps earlier than others. To this day, my son (he's almost 14) hardly ever sleeps. He is very active (check-league travel ice hockey, lacrosse etc...) He snacks at night around 10:30 and then goes to bed...I wake him every morning at 5:45 am to get ready for school. He goes to Christian Brother's Academy. He's happy, healthy, and on honors list at school. Anyway, try giving up your son's naps and let him get lots of freshair and activities. When he's tired enough, he'll sleep. Otherwise, cut out all naps and put him to bed around 7:00 or 7:30 for the night!!

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