7 month old regression? Won't be put down!

[Rufffles]

I'm posting for some advice for my 7 month old DS. He is EBF and has never taken a bottle. We've never tried dummies, and aren't that keen to try now.

He was in a bedside crib in our room until last night when we moved him into his own room.

Until 6ish months, nights were pretty predictable: I'd feed him to sleep around 19:00, and he'd wake up twice (on average) overnight for a quick feed, then straight back to sleep before waking for the day somewhere between 05:30 and 06:45. Daytime naps were a bit all over the shop but he'd typically have 2-3 naps, of between 30 mins and 2 hours each. For the daytime naps they'd either be out in the pushchair or car, or I'd feed him to sleep (and he'd either sleep on my lap or I'd be able to transfer him into his cot).

In the past 3ish weeks there have been a few milestones: he's cut his first two teeth;
he's started solids (porridge for breakfast and single purée for lunch); and he's started crawling.

At the same time we've seen a lot of changes in his sleep, especially at night. The first thing we noticed was more overnight wake-ups. They were no big deal, though - I'd just feed him back to sleep in the usual way. However, within the space of those 3ish weeks it's got a lot worse and is now at the point where he won't be put down to sleep. He wants to be on my boob (whether feeding or just being attached!) all night. I can't even get him down initially at bedtime. He'll EASILY fall asleep in my arms - as he always has done - but when the time comes to put him down he'll start screaming before he's even touched the surface of the cot. If I proceed and put him down anyway (as I did last night, to see what would happen), he takes ages to settle (with some ssshh and pat) but before long the crying starts again.

It's got to the point where I've taken him into bed with me - for the last week or so - so he can feed (or just attach himself!) on demand. I can't say it's the best quality sleep I've ever had, but I'm calmer, he's calmer, and my husband gets loads more sleep too.

Oooh I've been going on for too long.

My question is relatively straightforward though. Does anyone have any tips? Is this likely to be a phase (and if so, how long might it last! (I'm prepared to hear that it's about as long as a piece of string)).

We are not keen on CC or CIO, so until such time as we get desperate, won't be considering those options.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who has any advice!

[crazycatlady5]

I would personally embrace cosleeping OR think about getting rid of the cot and getting a floor bed instead. Look up Montessori floor beds/bedrooms x

[JaneEyreFunfair]

I don't really have advice, but I have just posted a very similar thread, only with the four month regression, so I very much sympathise!

We did have a somewhat better night last night, and the main thing we did differently was dress her a bit more warmly, as it has got a little colder overnight lately and it warmer being held.

She is also recovering from a cold, so I'm desperately hoping that was the problem and we're now moving back in the right direction, but that could just be wishful thinking!

[Mumof1DS]

I sympathise. DS is there too, at 6.5 months. We came out of 4 month regression, had a week or so of good nights, then bam! Teething and 6 month sleep regression. He will sleep in my arms but not in the cot or he wakes up 5 mins after being put down. I am really struggling.

[Jinglesplodge]

We're right there too. I can't offer any good advice but I've already dealt with the first wake-up of the night and I'm shattered after weeks of terrible sleep. I've started having him in bed with me after about 3am just to keep him asleep for a bit but it's really not a habit I want long term as I don't sleep well at all when he's beside me.

I hope for all our sakes they come out of it soon. Shattered doesn't begin to cover it.