sedatives for babies who are poor sleepers

[am123]

Has anyone ever been prescribed a sedative such as phenergan for their baby who has had a horrendous sleep pattern for many months. I am aware that phenergan is not recommended in under 2s but have been told that doctors do prescribe it for short term use to try and break long term poor sleep habits. My ds is 8 mths and is terrible through the night he wakes many times is difficult to settle and also gets up at 5.30-6am every morning. He is unpredictable and never has 2 nights the same times of unsettling are always different. I have tried everything, followed all advice and am just exhausted. please help.

[peaches27]

I used to work for a GP who used to prescribe Vallergen which is a similar thing.

I have been using medised, as she has a cold, is teething and sleeps badly anyway, but its not working, but I dont fancy asking for a sedative yet.
Ive also tried one of those plug in things that diffuse essential oils during the night, that doesnt work either!!

[geekgrrl]

yes, my ds was prescribed hydroxizine at 10 months, it's safe for babies and worked a treat. It sorted out his awful sleep patterns.

[CADS]

Research 'Melatonin' on the web. If i remember correctly it is the natural sleep hormone that the brain produces. Not sure if it is licensed in the UK but ds was prescribed it by his paed in South Africa (you can get it over the counter there).

[coppertop]

In the UK you generally need a Paediatrician to prescribe melatonin. Ds2 started taking it at 3yrs old. The problem with melatonin (if you find someone to prescribe it) is that it won't actually keep the child asleep. It just helps them to fall asleep in the first place IYSWIM.

[am123]

Just back from a cranial osteopath who said his cranium was very tender. He wants to try about three sessions to begin with to see if it makes any difference. He seems quite hopeful. I think I will see how this goes first. Thanks for replying.