9 Month Old Not Sleeping - Augusta,GA

Oh, how familiar. We went through this too - and survived it. Chances are, something is worrying him - teething, illness, nightmares, digestion, perhaps a new skill he is trying to master. How long has it been happening?

Keep reassuring him so he won't learn to dislike going to sleep any more than he does now. Like Beth, I found Elizabeth Pantley's book interesting. Please don't jump into crying it out - it's probably not what he needs. Although you are thoroughly exhausted right now (I sympathize), keep helping him and soon his patterns will change.

You could also try increasing his activity during the day - I find my son sleeps much better after an active day - especially after time spent outdoors.

Good luck!

If it's possible try moving your older sons bed into your room for a few nights of sleep training, explain to your older son that this is just temporary. Put a fan on in your room for noise barrier from the crying. Then start the sleep training of the baby. My youngest started doing this after she had gotten over a cold, I was getting up with her while she woke up coughing and stuff like that but once she was better the waking up continued, she loved coming into mommies bed for a snack and I can't blame her, but it had to stop. I think we had 3 nights of crying the first night it went on for an hour, she fell asleep then woke again maybe an hour or 2 later around 5 am so I did feed her then and put her back to bed. the second night I think she cried for about 15 minutes and fell back asleep, she didnt wake until around 7 to be fed the last night I remember hearing her for a few minutes and she just went back to sleep. I know some people think that might be harsh but she was 10 months and had been sleeping thru the night for many months. Trust me an hour will feel like an eternity to you and I doubted myself what if she had a dirty diaper what if she was teething, but she was ok. Just make sure he's not teething b4 you sleep train. Try to keep his daily routine as normal as possible, if I try to keep my baby up late it usually backfires on me.. Nightmares are rare at this age their minds cant really imagine the things say a 3 yold can. I was lucky b/c my kids had seperate rooms and I keep a fan running in my 3 yolds room. But if you can seperate them for a few nights that'll be best. Good luck hope this helps.

If you child doesn't sleep well with you either, something is probably bothering him. Take him to the doc and get his ears checked. Lying down puts more pressure on the ears and if he is teething or has an ear infection that would make him uncomfortable. Does he have allergies? I know my son kept ear infections, because of teething and allergies. After we put him on Zyrtec at night, he did so much better.

Hi! Unfortunately, it sounds like your son has learned that if he cries, you'll get him. You're going to have to just let him cry it out one of these nights-- you can go in and reassure him, but don't take him back to your room-- he will probably learn very quickly that he's going to have to stay in his bed. While you're doing this, though, I would let your older boy sleep either in your room or in another room-- even camping out on the floor, if you don't have a lot of extra space and beds. A three-year-old should be able to adjust to that kind of change without too much trouble. Then, once the baby gets the hang of sleeping in his own bed without too much fussing, you can put the older boy back in the room with him. Hope this helps-- good luck!

Actually, I have heard the better naps during the day, the better sleep at night. He may be overly tired. My sons have always had good naps and sleep well at night no matter how long the naps (sometimes a 3 hour afternoon nap.)

My daughter did this in her 4th month. The reason why....food!! She was ready to start solids. If your son has not started solids yet, I would definitely try!! Real solids too, not just cereal added to milk. I would try stage 1 fruits and veggies and oatmeal. You may be surprised how much he eats!! I hope this helps.

He could be teething.
Or be getting something.
I would first take him to the Dr to see if he is coming down with something. Then go by the bookstore and pick up a copy of " the no cry sleep solution" by Elizabeth Pantley.

I have to second that is also might be nightmares to , my daughter started having night terriors around that age, Her father had them as well, and she still has them from time to time.

A lot of sleep problems in adults and children/infants can be fixed by chiropractic adjustment. If you are in the Charleston, SC area I suggest Atlantic Coast Family Chiropractic on Trolley Rd in Summerville. Dr Heather Wyant is the chiro there and she specializes in family care especially infants and children and has taken care of my family for the past few years.