I need sleep :(

[ConfusedNewMam]

My 6.5m old hasn't really been a good sleeper.

He was ok to begin with, woke about two times a night until he was 4m then it all went to s**t. He was getting up 3-4 times and relying on milk and/or being held til he nodded back off.

Anyway, instead of giving him milk throughout the night, I was giving him cooked boiled water whenever he woke (unless it was a good way through the night and he was genuinely hungry).

It only took a few days and he seemed to change his routine and go back to waking Just twice a night (I loved this routine!). But after a week or so, we are back to waking 3-4 times and the need for an oz of milk to go back to sleep?!!!
HELP!

@ItsNiceItsDifferentItsUnusual thank you ever so much for the reply. Constructive advice! I'm going to push his food back to a bit later tonight as you've suggested and I'll read up on the training mentioned. I'm sure it's comfort, as you say.

Thanks again

@RebeccaNoodles if you don't mind me asking, what did you do to comfort her? I just CANT see mine settling unless fed or picked up and cuddled (if I do the latter, he'll cry when I put him back in his cot)

Oh I am right here with you. My 6.5 month old wakes at least 4x a night and always has done . It doesn't matter how late I give him porridge or when he is fed milk he will not sleep longer than 2.5 hrs

We stroked her hand, patted, whispered and reassured her ...I did pick her up a couple times but it almost made her worse tbh I was the one more in need of reassurance!! Luckily by that point she was able to go to sleep without milk which helped. It was tough but it was just two nights. Saying that though, it worked for us but I don't mean to imply it's what everyone should do! I know other people do things like gradually reducing feeds. I wanted to do that but was told it would prolong the agony! Anyway really hope things improve for you.

Thank you very much @RebeccaNoodles

I co slept with my daughter till God it's such a blur think 6 months when it all went to pot she did wake up demanding milk made this sound that wasn't always hunger and started waking more frequently. Spoke with health visitor and got her in her own cot. H vis it or thought she cud smell my milk. Ended up moving her into her own room and that sorted it. Also found when she wakes instead of rushing to her immediately I wait few mins listen to the sound of the cry cos sometimes she just goes back off anyway. Sleep deprivation is the pits

Also bear in mind teeth, development leaps growth spurts all have an influence and just as you think you got it suss it changes again

You’re just trying your best OP. Some posters are so judgemental (I think tittygolighty has the medal for that one) - love to tell you that you’re wrong when of course, they’re perfect parents themselves.

Have you tried giving your little one a comforter. I personally would stop giving him milk if he’s just drinking 1oz and try to settle him without.

They lie!!! My best friend looks so happy on pics but she tells me it's a nightmare.... She's so tired and basically, she can't do anything about it

Night weaning isn’t recommended until babies are at least a year old. Water shouldn’t be given to babies under 6 months.

But sure. Do what you want. But don’t pretend it’s for your child’s benefit!

How selfish of us to want to help our little ones sleep better. Child comes first yes, but that doesn’t mean we have to endure months/years of sleep deprivation if we can help it. Sleep is important for adults too. Happy parent - happy baby. You’ve obviously just had perfect sleepers titty to go along with your perfect parenting.

Just the one. Not upsetting that equilibrium!

Where is the source that doesn't recommend night weaning before one?

I honestly, honestly can't believe that a child who is post 6 months, eating 3 good meals a day, with milk feeds during the day as well, needs milk at night. If you're happy as a parent to continue giving it, fine, but I don't think parents who are up multiple times in the night should be made to feel like uncaring dicks when they decide they've had enough.

My 7 mo still has one night feed, but I will be looking to wean him off that over the next 4-6 weeks if he doesn't drop it by himself.

God, I'm not alone! My baby was never a good sleeper but once she got to 4 months it's totally crazy now my friend told me is due to cognitive development. She just had her 16 week vaccines (delayed from being abroad) and she got fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. It seems to have settled but she is still so grumpy after nearly 48h. On top of that she has a dairy and soy allergy so I'm dieting. And she gets constipated if I have vegetables, or gets windy /tummy ache if I eat vegetables. Trying not to loose it here. Sleep deprivation is the worst! And husband can't calm her down and says she doesn't like him... He is unable to put her to sleep or console her. He does try! Can't wait to have a good night sleep. Maybe when she goes to uni?

You know after 6 month they can just have tap water. You don’t need to boil the water first. I would also just give milk as with ds it as never habit forming and he just needed the extra when he as going through growth spurts. The more you wean him hipeffult he’ll get full up and will sleep through. With ds my mission is to get as much into him through the day and it fills him up over night. He still wakes for comfort sometimes but it’s not hunger.

was

hopefully

her and she’ll sorry!

Last night my daughter slept through. That’s 2/7 nights this week. She’s 5

My son did wake in the night having wet the bed. He’s 7

Ok it’s easier now as mostly they just call out and then go straight back to sleep with a cuddle or clean clothes. So I know they “need” something.