Eczema and controlled crying

[naturopath]

DS is waking several times a night (10-20? I lose count). Friends etc. have suggested controlled crying.

I am adamant this is the wrong thing as (a) I am sure many wakings are due to his eczema and (b) because he is only 4 months old, which is surely too young.

Any opinions?

Forgot to say, this has been going on for about 6 weeks now, so can't just be a growth spurt.

He is totally bf, have just started weaning (on dr.'s instructions), and sometimes comes into bed with me in the middle of the night so that I can get some sleep.

Do you think the weaning is helping?

How is the eczema? Getting better at all?

I would have thought weaning should be avoided due to eczema. What is your doctors reasons for weaning now?

Personally I think 4 months is too soon for controlled crying - your baby will certainly be uncomfortable with his eczema and crying will make him hot and bothered.

If he is waking at night as often I would take him into bed with you so you can feed and sleep at the same time.

weaning not making any difference (am only on small amounts still as going slowly with it) and the ezcema is not improving really. Saw a specialist last week and seeing them again later this week, so am working on the eczema... hence my reluctance to try any sort of controlled crying - until the eczema improves (am totally anti it actually, but esp. when a child has a medical problem like this).

I think paed wanted to start early weaning because of the frequent night wakings, but I'm not sure. Am taking it slow because of his age and the eczema (i.e. small amounts and new foods only once every 4 days).

You have answered your own question very convincingly!

It's hard enough doing cc when lo is fine.

Hope the eczema clears up soon, poor lad!

In the meantime: co-sleeping?

Does he sleep with you at night out of interest?

My dd wakes very often for a different reason - she has chronic constipation and often has a sore tummy. Like you I've had people suggest controlled crying but what's the point when your little one is waking up for a reason? I would definativley recommend co-sleeping, especially if you're breastfeeding. It certainly made a massive difference to night wakings for my little girl. Good luck and with the eczema can I recommend African black soap (if you use any soap at all) and 100% shea butter from here:
www.akamuti.co.uk/products/new/shea-butter-cut-and-wrapped-various-sizes/ It totally cleared up both my dd's eczema and now we use it daily to keep their skin all gorgeous and soft.

I would avoid it for the time being, he is crying for a reason, and if you ignore him it would stress him further which will bring out more flares.

Not sure about co sleeping either, DS eczema would have gone quite bad with heat too, so sleeping in a bed with 2 very warm adults may have also made the things a bit worse.

I'm afraid that a time of night wakings is unavoidable. I would concentrate my energies in breaking the eczema cicle rather than controlled crying at this point.

NAturopath, most places have eczema nurses / HVs. Try to get their number from your doctor/HV. They can give you some advice apart of provinding cloths that will help the baby not to cause further damage.