Am I doing the right thing re his sleeping....

[AliGrylls]

When DS was born he was a really good sleeper. He more or less slept through the night from 3 months on. Teething started around 6 months and I just thought poor little thing is in pain - so I would give him calpol and a cuddle in bed. It didn't stop him sleeping through and he was still able to settle himself when he wasn't teething.

Recently though (he is now 14 months) he has started to wake up more during the night. I have tried giving him a cuddle in his nursery but if I put him down he starts crying (it is a full on inconsolable cry) again. To me it is clear what he wants - he wants his mum to give him a cuddle in her bed. Always, within 10 minutes of doing this he calms down and I can put him back in his cot. I want to know if I am creating a problem for myself because he has really started to wake up a lot and I am sure it is not all about teething and he just wants cuddles.

Advice needed please - DH and I are both starting to feel really tired.

I would say you are making a rod for your own back by bringing him into your bed. Have you tried cuddling and holding him a little longer in his room then putting him back?

Perhaps he's still teething and feeling generally off colour?

Although I don't think at 14 months they are aware of manipulating situations, he will soon learn to associate crying with getting his own way - although not for a minute am I suggesting he's not in distress - so maybe try placating him in his room and not going into yours at all.

We've only ever had DS (2.5) in our bed 3 times, all when he had sickness bug, and he now rarely comes into the bedroom (apart to wake Daddy up ) so doesn't associate our bedroom with comfort, etc. That suits us fine!

Good luck.

I wouldn't worry. I have had all 3 of mine into our bed at various points. DC1 didn't want to be in our bed as we disturbed them. So would from quite a young age take themselves back to bed.
DC2 was trained to climb into our bed and could stay as long as she didn't disturb us. When little we often woke to be surprised that we had got an extra. Hasn't done it for a few years now.
DC3 occasionally still comes to our bed. If disturbs us is sent back to own bed, sometimes goes back of her own. Mainly comes to our bed when her own has become too full of books and toys.

None of them will be doing it when they are 18 (or from my experience 11).

If it isn't ruining your sleep then I wouldn't worry. Do whatever works best for you and yours.