5 Month Old and Sleeping - Livonia,MI

It actually sounds like he's a great sleeper. :) You have him sleeping through the whole night, that's awesome! We really found that an earlier bedtime still got us the same wake up time! :) And then you have a REAL evening to yourself. When he was under a year his bedtime was as early as 6:30-7 and he'd sleep 12 hrs. So that might be something to consider.

I used this info a lot to adjust my son's sleep schedule.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-much-sleep-does-your-chil...

When mine were little I attended Le Leche League group meetings. Those other moms were so helpful! This question came up frequently. We would talk about the fact that for most babies eating and sleeping expectations are based on bottle fed babies and that those expectations are that they should aways be the same...sleep and eat at the same time every day. They pointed out that adults do not sleep at the same time and eat the same amount every day...how can we expect our infants to actually be on an adult plan? They grow, get teeth and want to know more about their surroundings etc Your little sweetie probably IS hungry in the night and contrary to some thoughts it really is OK! Breastmilk has so little waste and is digested more quickly than formula so baby is hungry more frequently. I always found as mine got to be about the age of yours, the middle of the night feedings needed to be quiet and dark. If he wakes up to eat...no lights, change him if needed and NO TALKING. He wil get the idea it is just time to eat and snuggle...not playtime. KUDOS to you for keeping up the breastfeeding and working! It's not an easy thing to do. Keep up the good work mama!

The night time sleep sounds perfect for what he should be doing right now. I have a six month old who sleeps MUCH less than this and the same thing...in a good mood, but I need more sleep and so does he. I'm talking 8 hours at night waking 4 or 5 times at least and doesn't really nap. Our doctor discovered an iron deficiency which can cause sleep issues with babies. If you're really concerned talk to your pediatrician and be persistant! Waking 1-2 times for a breastfed baby is completely normal and right on track for where he should be. Hang in there!

I wouldn't force him to sleep if he wakes up. If he isn't tired at night, play with him and wear him out. Walking and rocking only work so much you know? He has to be at least a bit tired for that to work. have you tried nursing him to sleep at night? Maybe a bottle that you pumped? That worked a lot of the time for me.

Are you feeding him right before nap time? I know some parents like to wait a while after they eat to put them to bed, but it might be best to nap immediately after eating.

Oh, 5 months, he might be one of those babies that is ready for solids already. My daughter started cereal at 4 months, but my son didn't start until 7 or 8 months. Every baby is different and if you think he's hungry, maybe this would help.

Good luck, it's not easy being tired.