Need Help Keeping 6 Month Old Asleep!

Babies tend to change their sleep patterns right before they hit a growth spurt, so maybe that's the issue. Also, my daughter started having that problem when she was 4 mo (waking up when the paci fell out) so I just stopped giving it to her and she learned to sleep without it. So far you're doing the right thing, though. You may want to let him cry for just a minute or two at first just to make sure he won't go back to sleep on is own. But be patient and do as little as possible to help him get back to sleep and he'll stop- these things usually last a week or two if they are growth related.

At 6 months of age, they go through a "growth spurt" and they feed more AND their sleep habits change. He may just be more hungry. It is a phase. It is all part of ages & stages and is developmental based. They also go through a leap in cognitive development and their "awareness" increases as well... thus, sometimes making them wake up more. Also teething occurs at this age as well, and separation anxiety can start in some, and their physical abilities increase making them more mobile even when in the crib and they may even start to roll-over, sit-up, pull-up and whatnot while sleeping. This disrupts their sleep. It's all developmental. Remember as well.... sleep patterns are NOT static. They will change. A baby & child go through many phases of growth and it occurs quickly. They are constantly changing. 6 months is very typical for this change in sleep to happen. For both my kids, they went through this as well. With my 1st child, I learned the hard way.. .and now with my 2nd child, with my son, even at these times of sleeping interruptions, I kept to his same sleep routine/methods & sleep/nap times... and sooner or later, he went back to his sleep patterns. Also, make sure they are getting a proper nap during the day. Often, an over-tired child/baby who lacks sleep, will actually have a more difficult time sleeping, and when they are over-tired they may actually get more "hyper."

The key is to KEEP to your sleep routine for him. KEEP the same consistency... do not change his pattern or sleep schedule. Otherwise, you will just be setting him up for a change in his sleep habits and confusion. Remember, any "new" sleep habit/routine you introduce can throw his existing sleep routine out the window. If you are/were satisfied with his sleep habits... then keep it up. Yes, it's not easy being pregnant and having a baby who wakes up... I was the same way when I was pregnant, and had an active older child while I was pregnant with my 2nd. But, we will manage. I don't know if you are working or a SAHM.. but perhaps have someone, a friend/relative come and help you during the day so you can get some rest. And at night, well let Hubby get up. If you cannot get a good sleep at night, perhaps temporarily sleep in another room that is quieter? In your last trimester you will get tired again too.

In the meantime...perhaps provide him with a "transition object" as well... for example, my son really loves his stuffed cow that he sleeps with and cuddles, in addition to his pacifier. That is what worked for my son. Also, and some may not agree... but at 6 months or older, sometimes putting them on their tummy to sleep can drastically make a difference and help them to sleep. I've heard countless times about how this can help.

Congratulations on 2nd baby! Good luck and take care,
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo

lol, My older two were addicted to the pacifier! But, you now have a choice to make, either wean him now of it, or deal with losing sleep. Although, all kids go thru a stage of where they don't sleep well, no matter what. Ours wakes up almost every night, and she is two. You got lucky that he slept so well for so long. But not many kids do that, that I know of. Good luck with it!

Hi R.:
I'm sorry....But am I missing something here?Your son is use to going from 9pm to 6am ? What are you feeding him before bed? A t-bone steak and potatoes?? R.....Thats nine hours, that baby boy of yours has gone without feeding! He isn't going to be happy sucking on a pacifier! The reason he keeps waking, is because hes (HUNGRY)One feeding,before bed when he was tiny, may have got him by,but hes getting bigger,and he needs more!If you want him to sleep through the night, then (feed him) When he wakes, give him a bottle,instead of a pacifier.If you haven't started cerial,you may want to give him thin.oatmeal before his last bottle at night.That will hold him a few more hours. The best of luck to you.