Inconsistent sleeping- 5 month old

[helenlouisey]

Hi, just wondered if anyone had any tips or suggestions, my 5 month old is a very inconsistent night time sleeper. For example in the past week we've had 3 nights she's slept 7pm- 6am, just waking once for a feed about 3am, which is brilliant, the other 4 nights she's been awake approx 6-8 times a night, she cries & needs resettling & if it's been more than 3 hours since she last fed then she won't settle without food. She has a very structured & consistent night time routine & always goes into her cot awake & she settles herself to sleep with no tears.

I just don't know how to handle the constant waking at nigh. should I keep feeding her or offer small feeds or just not get her out of the cot? Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks

X

Watching this one have been having the same issue for two months now :(

I think the reason is the massive developmental changes going on during this time, accompanied by regular growth spurts. My almost 5 mo DS tantalised me recently with three nights where I had five to six hours of uninterrupted sleep; last two nights he's wanted feeding every 1.5 to 2 hours. Hideous. Night weaning is something to consider in a few months time, I believe, but as far as I understand it at this age you've just got to keep feeding and enjoy (but don't get too hopeful about) the odd long sleep they give you!

Elphaba we have had the same for the past two nights as well. On a couple of occasions he has settled himself back to sleep but usually he needs a feed, even just a short one, to get him back down. So exhausting!

Then there's those brilliant times when even feeding doesn't get them to sleep, even when clearly tired...