Healthy Sleep Habits - Keller,TX

Updated on November 18, 2010
H.D. asks from Keller, TX
5 answers

I have a 4.5 yr old and 4 mo old son. When my 4 yr old was born he was a terrible sleeper until we did the cry it out method at 4 mo. BEST DECISION! He's been a great sleeper since. My newest challenge is my youngest. He's 4 mo now and I would like to instill the same good sleep habits my problem comes in that I can't really let him cry it out because he will wake up my other son. Putting him to bed is no problem. We feed him, change him and put him in his crib awake and he goes to sleep on his own. The problem is he is waking every night about 1:30am. Why? He shouldn't be hungry, he's getting cereal, he doesn't have an ear infection, he may be teething but not sure. When he does wake we have been giving him a pacifier to soothe him and I am forever kicking my butt for it. That may be why he wakes. I don't need any judgements. I need help. Any past experiences, advice or books? I guess I should add that he won't go back to sleep on his own when he wakes in the middle of the night even if I do give in and give him a bottle. The only thing that seems to work is to give him his pacifier but even then he will wake again later if it falls out. I am afraid I am creating a bad habit. The pedi doesn't seem to think he needs to be fed at night but I know every kid is different.

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More Answers

M.H.

answers from Raleigh on

The only thing I would say is do you know 100% that your son won't just sleep through your 4 month old's crying? My son is not blessed to have a sibling yet (hoping, but no luck yet), but whenever he is asleep in the car and a younger child is screaming/crying, he stays asleep. I would have NEVER guessed he could do it, but if your house is somewhat soundproofed, your other son may never even hear his brother.

Again, maybe you know your 4.5 year old cannot sleep through it, but have you tried yet? Other than that, I really don't know...we did CIO with our son at four months old (which I have to agree was the best decision...he sleeps SO well!), so I really don't have any other tips. Good luck!

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J.P.

answers from Boise on

If you want to do the CIO method, let your 4.5 year old know what is going on and try it on a weekend. my 2.5 yo doesn't even wake up when my 6 mo cries. If it could be teething, try some Tylenol before bed. If he is still waking up, it sounds like a habit, and needs some training. I live by Babywise (well, my own modified version.

S.L.

answers from New York on

My oldest started sleeping thru the night at 1 month but then started waking up for a feeding every night around 4 or 5 months. I figured it was a growth spurt and he needed the extra feeding! Ask your pediatrician

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E.D.

answers from Boston on

He might still need a bottle. Maybe wait until 6 months to drop that feed. My second was different than my first too. Is your 4 year old in same room? Would he definitely wake up during the CIO? Does the baby go back to sleep with the paci replacement without being fed? I am in that habit too! When he gets a bit older, you can put some extras in there and he will find one. Good luck!

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J.V.

answers from Chicago on

he is waking cause he is hungry. Even Dr Weisbluth (sp?) admits that a good 20% of babies will need night feedings for much longer than 4 months. In fact, he says some until they are 12 months. I'd wait two more months.

Be thankful you only get woken up once. Many would be super jealous.

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