Cutting Teeth Versus a Sickness

As long as she's not showing other symptoms (and yes, teething can cause stuffy nose & extra saliva, which can make them choke some), I'm betting it's teething. It probably wouldn't hurt to talk to your ped to check on her ears & stuff.

My 9-month-old DS2 has been working hard on his first two on top... for well over a MONTH now! (Ugh.) It's not horrible every night, but at least a few nights a week he's up for at least an hour at some random time.

Motrin will help, except maybe on the very worst nights (and even then it'll help some). I also use that teething gel... it helps quite a bit.

I had braces as a teenager, and the memory of the *pain* when they would tighten them is what keeps me patient & understanding when my son is having that much trouble. Hang in there.

If you do get to a point where you have to help her re-learn how to sleep better, you might want to try Elizabeth Pantley's "No-Cry Sleep Solution" or "Good Night, Sleep Tight" by Kim West & Joanne Kenen. They're both great and will save you & your daughter many nights of tears and frustration. :)

Best of luck!

If she doesn't seem to be running a fever I wouldn't rush her to the Dr. You can tell if they are teething due to excessive slobber, swollen or red gums. It could be reflux too which is painful while laying down.
For that you need to talk to your Pediatrician.

My kids seemed congested while teething due to the extra secretion of salivia, it seemed to make them a tad raspy or runny. It does for some kids, some not so much.

Don't wait for a tooth to pop out, give her Motrin before bedtime and teething tablets. Teething tablets are natural, dissolve instantly but do not last as long as motrin.
You are smart not to want to create bad habits of sleeping on you, unfortuately it is just as important to find out what is bothering her. If it is teething it can be very painful and she will feel better with Motrin, if it is reflux your Pediatrician can give you a prescription for kids Zantac to help her. My daughter had reflux and it corrected itself in a few months.

If is just she is waking and in a bad habit of waking and expecting you, then you can deal with that after you have ruled out the other symptoms. I did crying it out only after my kids were 6 mos of age and older, after I was sure it wasn't anything else.

Hugs!

My oldest son would wake up at night and scream. The only way to get any sleep was for my husband to rock him for hours!! When the teeth did finally make there apearance, he popped either 6 or 8 in one week! Yes she is teething and the cold is related because her resistance is down from cutting teeth. If she spikes a fever take her to the dr. Otherwise keep her comfortable as possible. This to shall pass and you will talk about it for years. Remember she is in really pain.
C. B

sometimes ear infections can cause those type of symptoms. after 4 nights like you described, I'd probably be inclined to visit the doc ...