Why will my baby not sleep unless held

[VictoriaB123]

My 18 week old son has up till recently been a pretty good sleeper in the night. He has now started waking up after an hour or constantly wanting to be held and if I put him down in his cot he wakes up. I really don't want to get in the habit of him sleeping on me nor do I want him sleeping in bed with me as I think it's dangerous. I would appreciate any advice to help, I'm absolutely shattered.

I had this around 4 months, think it was 4 month sleep regression and coincided with learning to roll. Dd also refused dp to put her to bed or resettle her at this time. It used to be pop her dummy in and hand on chest to get her back to sleep. I'm afraid yet to get back to that but it has got better the last 3 weeks, 2 wake ups is most typical now rather than hourly (eugh). Dd is 6 months now. I too worry a bit about habit of needing to be held but figured what else can I do? For some reason she really needed me then. Not much advice but just to say I know how you feel, it sucks, but it will just be a phase. If you have a partner who can help get them involved and try to sleep when you can (I know its easily said.) You're being a great mum!

Is he swaddled? If not, could you give that a try?

No I don't swaddle him, we did to get him to sleep when he was first born if he got over tired. I've also tried the patting and putting his dummy in. I think I have one stubborn little boy ha. I'll give it a good go again tonight while my husband is off work. Thanks for the advice.

Yes. I remember 4 months being bad... lots of development going on. 5 months was a lot better... in fact it was the easiest month of the first year!
Be calm and consistent and this will pass.

Thanks everyone. He was a lot better last night.

Try swaddling, is the room warm enough? Also try sitting next to him with your hand for comfort, talking gently with your hand on his chest. After a few successful times no hand, then later no talking, then sit further away and finally only for a short while. Come quickly when he cries, so he knows it is not a sad place to be.