Talk

Flip

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

Behaviour/development

4 month old refusing to go to bed

5 replies

Pussinflatboots · 15/06/2011 21:40

DD (17 weeks) used to go to bed at 7pm (bedtime routine, and generally asleep by 7.30). For the last week or so, she has screamed and screamed for two or three hours until she falls asleep from exhaustion (well, obvs, but YSWIM!). It's distressing for her and us, and seems to have come out of nowhere. No changes to her bedtime routine, or anything else. She won't be cuddled, fed, held, left. We have tried to resist giving up and bringing her downstairs, but maybe this is the solution - does she just want a later bedtime?! Once asleep, she usually sleeps til 4am and then straight back asleep until 7.30 or 8, so once she's down, things are fine (for her age!). Is this just the way that sleep regression is manifesting itself?

OP posts:

Report

allfunandgames123 · 15/06/2011 23:41

My DD is 7months and she used to sleep 8 till 8 she done that for around 4months. However about 3weeks ago she done the same as your LO so last week we tried controlled crying (i know that sounds really harsh but its not that bad) so we do bath at 7 bed at half past when she goes down she has a bottle then i leave her and return every 4mins. She has never beem awake past 15mins, and i thought she would of cried for hours doing this but its worked really well.

Report

pookamoo · 15/06/2011 23:42

hmm, it all sounds really normal to me! Sorry that's probably not much help, but it always seems that when they have settled into any kind of routine, they go and change their habits!

Report

Momo36 · 16/06/2011 09:16

I have a 7 month and have not had the same experience but I have read about babies at this age hitting sleep issues. May be something to do with grow/developmental spurt perhaps. It seems that it is fairly common so I would not worry. Not sure that there is anything you can do - I'm sure it will pass.

Report

Octaviapink · 16/06/2011 10:00

Yep - developmental spurt. Her little brain is suddenly fizzing and she'll need a lot more help to go to sleep at the moment. You'll probably need to change her bedtime routine, and she may need more sleep during the day too.

Report

Pussinflatboots · 16/06/2011 17:27

Thank you! This is what I thought. Seems the only quick fix is (for me, not DD). Fingers crossed tonight is easier!