I have a 10 month old son. He used to be a good sleeper, but for the past couple of months he wakes up every couple of hours and wants to nurse. I have recently started work at a pre-school and would like to wean him off the breast. He is having a hard time adjusting to daycare (He is in the room next to me, and can see me) and won't sleep there either. I'm not sure if this is a good time to wean him, because of all the changes he is experiencing now. He does take a bottle, but will not take a binky. I need advice on how to get him to sleep thru the night again, and should I hold off on weaning him? Thank you!!
J. B
J. I have a 11 month old who stareted having a similar problem. I would try giving the child something like applesauce or a fruity babyfood about 30 min before bed seems to fill up my son and he sleeps better.
Is he hungry? Is he eating solids, yet? He may be hungry. My oldest went from sleeping all night to getting up every two hours. It was tiring. I gave him cereal before bed and that usually worked. Don't start with bottles, though if you can help it. It takes them so long to stop that. He's old enough for sippy cups. My sister's youngest was still nursing after age one but my sister didn't like it and wished she had been weaned sooner. Now the 18 month old drinks from a sippy cup. One thing to think about, if you stop nursing now, he will need formula at least until he's a year. Then, he can have milk. It's not really good for them to be on milk too soon. Good luck!!!
I always read that trying to wean during change is not a good idea. That said, you have to do what will help you make it through the night. My daughter did this a few times (she's now 18 months) and usually it meant she was sick or growing. What I would do is feed him solid food about 45 min before bedtime, go through the bedtime routine and then nurse him just before he goes to sleep. That way you are ensuring he has a full tummy that will last a while (thus the solids). I've also found that having a white noise player helps. My daughter is a VERY light sleeper so this helps soothe her if she does wake up in the middle of the night. I hope this helps and good luck.
Is your baby teething or maybe going thru a growth spurt? My 5 month old has been sleeping thru the night since she was almost 2 months old, but when she is teething or having a major growth spurt, wakes up in the middle of the night. If you think its teeth, keep the tylnol close by and give him some of that and rock him back to sleep. If its a growth spurt, remember as he is growing, he is burning off his food fast and needs extra, including the middle of the night. Even if you other kids didnt do this, after all, every kid is different. And lastly it could be stressed and some seperation anxiety. Then I recommend not feeding him at night if you think it is this, he is probably using YOU as his pacifer. I would get up and comfort him for a while, but you dont have to hold him all the times, just going into the room and rubbing his back until he settles down works too. Ask if a curtain can be put up between the room for a while, until he adjusts to the room. Good Luck!
Hi J.,
I have an almost 11 month old son who has had many sleeping problems too. He would never take a binky either! I weaned him last month because everyone told me how much better he would sleep if he was on formula and because he was refusing to nurse during the daytime anyway. The formula helped a little but what really helped was putting a fan in his room. The white noise really helps him sleep and now he usually only wakes up once a night. I wish I had not weaned him. I miss nursing him. I would not wean your son until you are absolutely sure that is what you want. Also, is there any chance your son is teething? My little boy was a marathon night nurser whenever his teeth hurt!
Hi J.,
I have a 15 mo old that started doing the same thing when we brought her sister home from the hospital (3mo). For me I noticed that sence I was spending so much time with the new baby that my oldest was not geting enough mommy time. What worked for me was a night to spend about 20 min. or so where my husband was on baby duty and me and my oldest got some quality time with just her and mommy. I know this sounds weird but after about a week she was back to sleeping through the night. It sounds like with you going back to work maybe your little one just needs some mommy time too. Good luck and I hope this helped : )
-A.
Hi J.
I weaned my son at 11 months because of health reasons otherwise I probably would still be breastfeeding!!I just loved it!! Anyways-- I had to disapear for the weekend so that it was easier on the both of us I took my oldest son and we visited family while my hubbs kept the baby. After you are dried up he wont smell it on you and he will get used to the fact that thats not how he eats anymore. My son wouldnt take a binky either personally dont think you want to start that habit though!! my doc also said to let him cry it out a few nights and that works too, but its hard on us moms so disapearing is best!!!! I hope this helps. ---A.
It sounds to me like your baby is teething. Maybe try some baby orajel on his gums. I think it is better than the pacifier. The pacifier is good, but it hard to get them off of it. Both of my kids used the pacifier. I am still trying to get my daughter of it. It just takes some time. Good luck!
C.
also check and be sure he doesn't have ear infections- that was my son's problem and he could be symptomless...
