Baby waking during night

[Emmahugs]

My 9 month DD is suddenly waking for hors and hours at night. I used to be able to settle her within 30 mins but now it's taking ages...up to 4 hours. I've tried everything. She doesn't like coming into bed with me and just wants to be carried but she's too heavy. If I put her back in the cot she screams. Any advice?

what are her naps like during the day?

They are good generally. She goes for a couple of hours in the morning and sometimes an afternoon nap but not always. At the moment she is so tired after being awake all night she has to be woken from both naps. Today I woke her in the morning after 2 hours and this after noon at 3.30pm after 1 hour.

would you maybe try a shorter nap in the morning to make sure she has a nap in the early afternoon and then (seeing as its nicer) some fresh air, walk in the pram maybe, after tea

fresh air always knocks mine out

I would second dizzys advice, about shortening the morning nap and then she would go down earlier in the afternoon.

My son is almost 9 months, and is going through a testing stage of taking ages to settle (previously excellent). He screams whenever I leave the room, and then stands up and screams some more. This can go on for a good hour, but I am standing my ground as I cannot get him to sleep in our bed either.

Thanks. I'll try it.

9 months seems to be a tricky time for sleep. I wonder if it's partly this seperation anxiety thing? Good for you standing your ground! My DH is away all week working so I find it hard on my own.

good luck emma, let us know how you get on

I am often by myself and it is soooo hard. I think the only reason I can stand my ground, is he is too big to be carried and he thinks its playtime when he comes in our bed (so no other choice). He is starting to settle better now, but I think it is a seperation thing and a "oh look I can stand up and get mummys attention" thing.

I am well known for getting a drink and sitting outside his room with a book and a lamp. I go in every time he stands / sits up (watch through the crack of door) and lie him down straight away. He does scream as soon as I leave the room.

I had to do it too with both of ours as dh on nightshifts for 7days at a time. its not easy but they'll soon get the message, if you give in you're back to square one though.

you have to decide how you want to do it though

here

Thanks. It's nice to feel i'm not alone. I thought I was a failure! It is so hard not having someone to help out. I think i'll try your approach and see what happens. The worst thing for me is not even getting a break in the evening now. Even if i'd had a stressful day i used to be able to sit down with a glass of wine in the evening and relax. Now she often wakes at 9pm so the day just seems to last forever!

shorter naps, earlier nap in the afternoon, bedtime routine inc bath and quiet time and hopefully emmahugs will have her glass of wine and relaxing evening before long

Thanks. I'll keep you posted! I'm off to bed now. Rock and roll.x

My son is my first and I often feel like I have failed if he doesn't sleep / eat. I am very lucky to have a very relaxed sister who has been there/seen it all and she reassures me.

Its lucky they are at a cute stage..... ALthough I am sure that is not what I said this morning when he unplugged my phone and fell into the door.

They are definitely at the cute stage...lucky for them eh?!

oh ladies never feel like you've failed them
the fact that you're concerned enough to seek advice is wonderful in itself

if they're safe, warm,fed and loved then thats all that matters