DS has always been a great sleeper. He goes down without too much fuss, sometimes turning over and always getting himself off to sleep. But even if he has a little cry first, it's only usually for a few minutes. we put him down at 8pm - pretty much on the dot.
He always used to wake up between 6.00 - 7.00am and was happy when he woke up - ie we used to hear him chatting to himself, he didn't cry, you could just hear that he was awake.
For the last 3 weeks it's all changed. He has often woken up at 1,2 or 3am ish and cried. Usually you can calm him down by chatting to him and stroking his head. He seems tired and wants to go back to sleep. But the last week or so he has been waking up pretty much every hour, or every few hours and crying a lot. Sometimes he can be soothed back to sleep, sometimes he will have milk and go back down but I am worried that by giving him milk in the middle of the night I am encouraging the night waking - ie does he 'need' the milk or just fancy something to soothe him. I don't want to encourage the bottle as something to soothe him - but it's so hard when you are tired and he is awake. last night it was 2am, 3.30, 4.00am, 5.30 - at which point I gave him milk. then he woke again at 6.00am and cried - but then got himself back to sleep after 5mins and he was still sound asleep when i left for work at 7.20am.
really - I just want some advice and ideas - what can I do - and what do you think is wrong???
much appreciated - am knackered!!