How do you re-settle babies who wake up... I've read too many books and am confused!

[thomasina1]

I've become obsessive about sleep and have read way too much Gina Ford, Baby Whisperer etc. Stoopid I know and now it's all going round in my head and I can't think straight!

So my 8 week old is now asleep in her cot after a lovely bedtime routine - yey! But I'm pretty sure she will wake up soon rather than sleep through until 11ish (which has happened before so I know it's possible!). Any ideas on how to get her to go back to sleep if she wakes? The books are all very well but I'd prefer advise based on other's practical experiences really!

I'm inclined to let her cry for a bit then go in and try to comfort her, then repeat, but I don't think it will be pleasant for either of us so don't really want to do it unless I am confident it will work.

at that age I'd probably offer a feed and then settle her back to sleep - they cant go long without food when they are small.

At 8 weeks I'd feed her tbh
They grow so quickly at that age and have growth spurts so the fact that she has slept 4 or 5 hours before does not mean she isnt hungry if she wakes up now after 3 hours iyswim

I give my DS a dummy and then fed him if that didn't settle him (when he was younger)...obviously I will later have the dreaded dummy weaning problem but it has been an absolute lifesaver for the last 5 months.

yeah i think you really have to offer a feed at that age.

otherwise i have no answer because my 6 month old is still demanding a feed every couple of hours in the night and goes ballistic if i try to shove the dummy in his mouth.

If a dummy doesn't work, not to 'shut her up' but to give her something to soothingly suck on, then offer a feed, i think.

feed her

bin the books

8 weeks old I would feed to sleep too

I have a 6 month old who wakes every 4 hours at night and wants me, I don't care she has a little suck and goes bak to sleep. It's her comfort and I go with the flow she won't be needing it forever.

I agree with EffiePerine - ditch the books! Your lo is still v young so just feed her - it will satisfy her whether she is hungry/thirsty/needs comfort - they do grow out of it eventually but right now she just needs you!