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6 mo baby won't sleep in his cot

4 replies

cindycoleman · 04/06/2013 19:13

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions/comments on my baby issue! I have a 6 month old son who recently has not been wanted to sleep in his cot and will only settle in our bed. As lovely as it is to snuggle with my baby I'm just worried about it becoming a permanent habit.

When he was born he used to sleep in his carry cot (same as a moses basket) and then when he outgrew that we bought a travel cot with a separate thick (7cm) mattress. We bought the travel cot as space is a issue in our flat and couldn't fit a normal size cot. But for the last month we have been battling with him to get in his cot, he falls asleep on us and when the transfer to his cot happens he opens his eyes and crys and needs settling again and this carries on... However, as soon as we put him in our bed, he opens his eyes for a second and immediately falls asleep!

We have tried putting a hot water bottle in his cot so that it's warm for him (and taking it out before he gets in) and we've also tried putting one of my tshirts in his cot as maybe it was our smell... The only other thing we can think of is the travel cot is too low and that is what he doesn't like when he is being placed in it, so we are going to try raising it by putting a couple of duvets under the base, however I'm not holding my breath...

I'm just hoping that this is a phase, he will sometimes go in the cot during the day for a nap, so we are going to keep trying doing that so that he keeps used to it, but we've pretty much given up trying to put him in the evening as he also sleeps a lot better and longer in our bed. Anyway, sorry for the long speal, any suggestions/comments would be appreciated.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
1Teaandsomecake · 04/06/2013 20:33

Not much advice to give tbh. It's really hard to know what to do when they get upset like that at bed time. My DD has certainly had phases when she hasn't wanted to go to bed or be left etc. We've just tried to be consistent about her staying in her room. I've spent a fair bit of time when she was upset in there with her (sometimes holding her, sometimes just sitting on the floor near her cot so she can see me)

I'm sure it is just a phase, stay strong and good luck. If you are happy with him in your bed don't be made to feel this isn't ok.

Sorry to be totally lacking in much good advice! Blush

Kiwiinkits · 07/06/2013 00:31

My only thought is that travel cots may be a bit cold due to thinner mattresses. Make sure you've got a thick woollen blanket over his mattress.

I think the t-shirt is a good idea. Lots of babies love blankies and comfort objects. Religiously put a comfort object in his bed with him and he may take to it. My babies both adopted their swaddle blankets as blankies. DD almost 3 has hers every night still in bed.

CreatureRetorts · 07/06/2013 20:26

Just a phase! Keep trying but don't beat yourself up about it. He'll get back to the cot soon.

GhostOfTheRobot · 07/06/2013 21:09

Could have written your post OP. Am currently experiencing precisely this with my 6 month old.
She used to be fine but this week has been truly awful. I don't get any sleep when she's in with us but that's the only place she'll sleep. Also she's teething so bloody awful combination atm.

I've tried the same thing as you. Nothing works.
Am just gritting my teeth and letting other people give me a break now and then.

It is so hard. You have my sympathies!

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