8.5 month old keeps waking in the middle of the night screaming any ideas...?

[ZaZazebra]

Just that really my DD keeps waking up usually around this time 1.30 am screaming. I have no idea why. Often I can console her then I lie her down but she appears to think her bed is a prison and gets up crying and stands in her cot. It's driving me bananas it takes me at least an hour to get her back to sleep any idea ? TIA.

I just posted this for a 17 month old, but similar things apply I guess:

QUOTE

All patterns of eating, sleeping, behaviour, contentedness, etc will change and evolve as children get older, learn and experience more, and gradually become more independent.

So you can't expect things to remain the same for very long. Try less naps during the day, make sure bed-time is relaxed and happy, and maybe keep her up a bit later. Give her a doll or teddy for company in bed, or a special blanket, or whatever.

UNQUOTE

Make sure she isn't hungry, but also don't over-feed before bedtime. Make the evening hours before bed relaxed, no TV or busy activity; read her a little story, of just talk about the day's events, and what she can do tomorrow. Have the room a suitable temperature, and ventilated. Try keeping her up later, though that may not be possible depending on your other commitments/priorities.

Hi Ferguson ..thanks for this. Am hoping it's just a random phase. Not keen on reducing naps in the day or putting her to bed later though- basically it wouldn't do my sanity any good as she needs so much attention in the day I actively look forward to nap time (!) and I also have a 3 year old (but thanks for the suggestions).

Could it be something else, like reflux? My nephew has just been diagnosed at 18 months with this. It can be very painful, made worse by lying down. Just an idea, it could be just a phase though.

I don't know. Maybe? She's awake again fourth night on the bounce and she absolutely screams like she's in pain. I don't think it's teeth though. I will google the reflux thing I did used to wonder if she had that when she was younger. I've resorted to giving her milk to calm her down ( stopped feeding in the night at about 6mo and she used to sleep through).

I feel your pain! We are having the same problem with 5mth old and I'm rapidly losing it. It feels impossible and relentless just doesn't cut it.

cupcake poor you too! I'm awake for at least an hour in the middle of the night each night and then either the baby or the 3 year old wakes at 6 I'm sooooo exhausted. This really has me stumped though I've no idea what the problem is when I feed or cuddle her she calms down completely it's only when I put her in bed she goes crazy again argghhh