Baby refuses to go to bed - at breaking point

[Smillar2020]

My nine month old has always been a good sleeper up until six weeks ago. For two months she was sleeping 8-6/7 consistently, sometimes with a feed but mostly straight through. For the last six weeks she has refused to go to sleep at 8pm even though she is clearly exhausted. I’ve not been able to get her down before 11pm every night and I’m now resorting to driving her around in the car because I’m so fed up. I’ve tried everything with naps during the day. I’m a single parent so have no help. What can I do as I’m at breaking point and starting to resent my baby for wasting every single night for me. I just need some space at the end of the day to wind down and catch up on things.

What does she do when you try put her bed? How does she eventually fall asleep?

We had a slight sleep regression at this age so I’m sure it will pass, frustrating as it is! I feel for you OP x

How many naps is she having? 8pm is quite late. Can you try putting her down earlier so she’s not over tired?

It's the 8-10 month sleep regression. The wonder weeks app explains it all in detail and I find it really useful.

My DD was awful at this point too (she's 11m now) but it's basically they are learning so many new skills etc that they can't switch their brain off.

This won't help you really but Co sleeping was the only way we got through it. As you are on your own, maybe try a sling so you can get some stuff done?

Good luck, it will pass eventually

Any chance she’s hungry? My DD sleeps a lot better now she is having solid food as her tea around 6pm x

Our 8 month old sleep regression was an absolute doozy! So you have my sympathy. He screamed and screamed at bedtime for weeks. It’s a developmental phase. It did pass.

Check there’s nothing you need to change - did you drop the third nap recently and baby is now overtired? Maybe try bringing bedtime earlier? Otherwise, comfort yourself that if there’s been six weeks of this, you’re likely getting through the worst and hopefully it’ll settle down soon.

There's a solution for the sleeping problem of the baby. I recently read the report of Ann Schuler she's an expert with babies. After I read it I applied it to my daughter and it works. The method is simple and effective. You can get her report here: bit.ly/Baby-Sleep-Miracle-Trick