Inconsistent sleeping- 5 month old

[helenlouisey]

Hi, just wondered if anyone had any tips or suggestions, my 5 month old is a very inconsistent night time sleeper. For example in the past week we've had 3 nights she's slept 7pm- 6am, just waking once for a feed about 3am, which is brilliant, the other 4 nights she's been awake approx 6-8 times a night, she cries & needs resettling & if it's been more than 3 hours since she last fed then she won't settle without food. She has a very structured & consistent night time routine & always goes into her cot awake & she settles herself to sleep with no tears.

I just don't know how to handle the constant waking at nigh. should I keep feeding her or offer small feeds or just not get her out of the cot? Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks

X

[ballroompink]

Watching this one have been having the same issue for two months now :(

[ElphabaTheGreen]

I think the reason is the massive developmental changes going on during this time, accompanied by regular growth spurts. My almost 5 mo DS tantalised me recently with three nights where I had five to six hours of uninterrupted sleep; last two nights he's wanted feeding every 1.5 to 2 hours. Hideous. Night weaning is something to consider in a few months time, I believe, but as far as I understand it at this age you've just got to keep feeding and enjoy (but don't get too hopeful about) the odd long sleep they give you!

[ballroompink]

Elphaba we have had the same for the past two nights as well. On a couple of occasions he has settled himself back to sleep but usually he needs a feed, even just a short one, to get him back down. So exhausting!

[ElphabaTheGreen]

Then there's those brilliant times when even feeding doesn't get them to sleep, even when clearly tired...