5.5mo only naps on me

[Lifewithliv18]

DD is 5.5 months old and for the past month or so refuses to sleep anywhere other than on me. I have tried a swing, sling/baby carrier, a dummy (which she won’t take) and shushing and patting which only results in her becoming hysterical to the point that I can’t bear to hear her like that. I’m sure a lot of people will suggest leaving her to self soothe but she doesn’t just whine for 5 minutes then fall asleep but instead gets to a level of hysteria I’ve never witnessed before. It was ok when she was small but now she is almost 20lb and getting very hard on my back to rock to sleep. Anyone else been through this? And is it just a phase or did you need to sleep train to get them out of the habit? Any advice welcomed! (Sorry for the essay).

Sounds like the 4 month sleep regression.

My friend’s baby was 28lbs by 6 months (mine was far more dainty). She had to switch from rocking to patting to sleep - still on her being cuddled but much les stressful on her back!

Mine did until 6 months and then it suddenly clicked. We used a white noise app to help self settle. Used it when she slept in me too.

'self soothing' is developmental and doesn't occur til MUCH later

(try reading Sarah Ockwell Smith Gentle Sleep book to get a handle on what to expect and how to deal with it, it's made me feel a lot better about DS sleep)

And I LOVE the snuggly naps when I get to catch up on TV/ read!

Are you BF? If so I'd lie down with her in your bed feeding if necessary - nap for her, nap/rest/mumsnet time for you!