10 Month Old Won't Sleep in Crib

Updated on January 12, 2009
L.H. asks from Roselle, IL
4 answers

So I wrote in when my daughter was 7 months old. Now she's 10 months and nothing has changed. She will initially start out sleeping ion her crib but wakes up every night between midnight and 3am and cries. She will not fall asleep herself. She will cry until she either throws up, or I pick her up. I do not agree with co-sleeping for many reasons - she moves around a lot when she sleeps and I do too, so it isn't safe. Plus having a baby effects a marriage enough, I don't need baby in my bed also. I'll rock her back to sleep and she'll be out cold. And as soon as I lay her back in her crib she is INSTANTLY awake and crying. How is this possible? She has never fallen asleep by herself. Both our old and new pedidatrician said to let her cry it out and she'll "learn" to fall asleep by herself in a few days. Well, after three straight night of cleaning up vomit from her, her clothes and crib, I gave up. It's not worth getting her that upset. But what else am I to do? This has been going on every night since she was six and a half months. Rocking her back to sleep helps her fall asleep, but not stay asleep. I work full-time and my job is suffering terribly and I cannot risk losing my job over lack of sleep. My husband and I are both exhausted and my physical health is starting to be effected. She's happy and playful all day, so I just don't get it. I've tried using a night light, I've tried no night light, I then bought a brighter night light, I tried establishing the bedtime routine, I've tried lavender baths, I re-arranged her room, tried playing soft music, letting her cry it out, rocking her to sleep - I have nearly tried everything. PLEASE HELP ME

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So What Happened?

Well, I took my little stinker to the pediatrician for her regular appt. He thinks that all 4 of her top teeth are coming in at the same time. Poor thing! But for some odd reason, she has slept the past 2 nights without fussing or waking at all. I have no idea why, but I'm thankful for whatever sleep I can get. Thanks for all the support and good luck to the rest of you who are having the same issues. One day they'll all be teenagers and we'll be wishing they were little babies again!

More Answers

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D.C.

answers from Chicago on

Dear One...I understand your dilemma and your frustration. It sounds like your lil one is being startled in the middle of the night.

It could be a multitude of things from no sound to being chilled due to temperature fluxuation to hunger or traumatic stress.

The key here would be to do the same thing everynight at the same time. Babies need routine...make sure she is getting enough satisfying food at dinnertime. Maybe a snall snack at bedtime before a warm bath. Then a warm bottle of milk to go to sleep.

Do you have a loud ticking clock you can put in her crib...if not, maybe some soothing music that can be played allnight long? This will dull any outside noises that may startle her. Make sure she is warm so that her body temp stays the same. Those one piece fleece night coveralls or a fleece blanket will help.

In the meantime, L....I will pray about this, asking God to show you what is the problem and to give you wisdom to find the solution to this problem.

Something during the day may be disrupting your lil one...either not getting enough food or some kind of trauma that is causing your lil one stress.

In the meantime, you and your husband may want to trade off nights in handling this situation until it is resolved so that at least one of you is getting a full night's sleep and a break from this disruption of your sleep.

I totally agree with not bringing the baby into bed...bad idea. Spending time with her before bedtime is important for a working mom...finding out what the problem is the key...then you will know the solution. Have a blessed evening! di

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E.F.

answers from Chicago on

There could be a few things happening. It may be one or both affecting her. She is more aware of stuff and she may just miss you and perhaps she is craving more time with you and since she isn't getting it when she's awake she is using the night time to get it. What time does she go to bed and how many naps is she taking? She may need to have that adjusted. Perhaps the bedtime needs to be moved later or she may not need three naps anymore but only two.

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L.C.

answers from Chicago on

I have a 9 month old, he's fussy sometimes when I put him in his crib after he has fallin asleep in my arms, all I do is give him a bottle wedge it up on a blanket let it touch his mouth and he just sucks on it and falls back to sleep instantly....Have a bottle with a few ounces ready & a blanket ( I use a knitted blanket it's more flexible) and when you go to put her down if she starts to cry try that right away.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

It's normal for an baby to wake through the night, they don't follow the same sleep patterns as adults. Babies human nature is to expect physical closeness during the day as well as night. Babies cry when we put them down because of their built-in, ongoing need for reassurance and security through physical contact day and night. Maybe you could try a co-sleeper next to your bed.

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