One Year Old Suddenly Waking up at Night!

We have been going through the same thing!! Our son will be 1 on Nov. 1st, but the last week or two, he's been waking up in the middle of the night again, crying out to us! He never really slept through the night, but he is breastfed, so it was okay. He would go down at 8, wake up at 2am, be fed, then again around 5ish. The last couple of months, he would go to bed at 8, then sleep right through until 7:30am!! At first he would wake up complaining, then he would wake up and just entertain himself. We were so happy! Now it's like he's reverted! I have heard this happens because their sleep cycle changes around one. I need to read more about it. They're more active and always feel like they will be missing something if they go to sleep. But then they get over-tired, which is another issue! This past Sunday, he woke up 2hrs after he went down with his first "night terror" (different from nightmare)! I almost passed out, that was scary! Sounds like your son just wants to be with you guys...I mean, we sleep with our spouses and they're in the next room all alone! I would want to be with my parents too!

Another thing, I think what we're doing wrong is when they cry out, we bring them in our room in our bed instead of putting them back to sleep in their own crib. But to be honest, at 2am, I am interested in getting him back to sleep, however it's done and the easiest way! Sounds bad, but when you have to get up for work in the morning...

My son falls asleep while being breastfed. When he was about 4mths, we were able to just put him in his crib and he would fall asleep. I think ever since he's become more active, that doesn't happen anymore.

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Any kind of developmental or physical growth can affect sleep. A lot happens around the age of one year, both emotionally and physically - from walking to talking more to better understanding of what it means to be alone. Just as our sleep is affected by stress, babies' brains and bodies are working overtime. They need good sleep just as much as they did before, but they need a little time to let themselves catch up to what's going on inside.
Many children go through a "clingy" stage at this time - whether it's around strangers, people they know well, or just when left alone to sleep. Talk to him in a soft, reassuring voice - they can understand more than many think. Talk to him before bed and explain what he needs to do. "You're going to sleep in your crib and Mommy's going to sleep in her bed. I'll see you in the morning." If he wakes in the middle of the night, try not to talk to him - it may overstimulate him and wake him more. However, if you feel a quick, "You need to go back to sleep. I'll see you in the morning when it's time to wake up," woud work, go for it.
With my daughter, who is also a good sleeper, went through this, I usually just had to pick her up to calm her (only for 10-20 seconds) and then immediately lay her back down - to almost "reset" her.
He's just going through a phase - don't be worried. Do your best to avoid creating habits - but he'll be a good sleeper again.

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Hi C.,

Congrats on your baby turning 1, mine just did also (9/26). My guess is either teething or digestion. Did you change him to whole milk at 1? Maybe he's having trouble digesting it and his stomach hurts. If you think this might be it, try "Gripe Water" which is a homeopathic solution to most baby tummy anythings. If it is the teething instead (my babe is going through it), then I suggest you try teething tablets. Again, homeopathic but they do sell that in CVS and other major pharmacies. I think even Target, which if I'm not mistaken has Gripe Water also. The teething tablets are great b/c they dissolve right in his mouth and has chamomile so it will help him get to sleep and have sounder sleep.

Also, just b/c he calms down when you are there doesn't mean he's not in pain. Granted, it's not acute pain or you are correct that it would continue. But he could definitely have some pain and discomfort and although yuour presence doesn't remove it, it reassures him and helps him feel better emotionally. I know you must be really tired but it's important to reassure him AND it's important not to deviate from your regular bedtime routine with him. Now more than ever he will instead need the security that comes from routine. So although daddy's efforts and care are understandable, it really is so much worse for your son in the long run. Instead, try to take my advice which is essentially to believe that there is something "off" and it's your job to try and figure out what and how to help him with it (ESPECIALLY that you had an "angel" baby before this). When infants emotional needs go un-met it can create subconcious mistrust or rage towards parents later in life and I KNOW that that is not what you want, you obviously love your son very much so keep up the good work and try the suggestions.

Also, if it really is the digestion issue and the Gripe water isn't enough, ask the Doc for suggestions. You might need to switch him to Lactaid or some other more easily digestable milk product. Good luck!

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hi C., it might be separation anxiety, my daughter went through that phase at around the same age. it might take a while, for us it did, but it won't last forever. you were lucky to have such a good sleeper the 1st year, most parents don't. also he might be teething, the back teeth hurt a lot more, so might be that. but from what your describing , my guess is separation anxiety, just tell him that you always near him, might help if you stay for a little while then walk out, if that does not work, stay in his room and fold laundry or something quite in a dim light and tell him to close his eyes , let him know that he needs to sleep and you're near him... something like that , it worked with my daughter, but she was a bit older than one. good luck and good night.

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My son just turned one and is going through a similar thing- not so much with initially going down, but with the waking and crying when we leave. It sounds like a combination of separation anxiety and teething. If he sounds like he is in pain when he is crying, I would try some motrin, but other than that I think it's just a stage. Good luck!

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Hi there! Just thought I'd throw in my experience. I am a stay at home mom of 2 beautiful girls. My oldest who is now 5 went through a similar experience when she was around 10 months. We had to lay down on her floor until she was asleep and then crawl out of her room, it lasted 3-4 weeks and we chalked it up to separation anxiety...I was home with her so nighttime was the only time we were apart:) This too shall pass...good luck and take naps with your son to catch up on sleep:)

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He might be teething??
My son has started being bad with sleeping too...we are in that pattern now...where he'll go to sleep fine, on his own...and then he's usually up at 3 or 4am for good...
Last time he did this, he got his back tooth in, so hopefully it's just a phase..good luck

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Hi C.,

Yes children do change, he's getting a little older and his needs are beginning to change. Please try not to let sleeping with you continue, find another way for him to go back to sleep. Teething could be playing a part in his change. Sometimes babies go through a time when they do not want to be separated from their mom. Make sure you keep a night light on at night also.

The best to you and your wonderful baby boy.

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My one year old is doing sort of the same thing. She wakes crying about 3-4 hours after she goes down. It is due to her cutting eye teeth and first molars. you might not see these teeth coming in yet but your son may be going through it right now. They are the most painful teeth to come in. Also, a 6-6:30 wake up time is the norm for this age group. how much does he nap during the day? They only need about 12 - 13 hours total of sleep. this includes naps. So take all of this into consideration. It most likely is a phase.

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LUCKY YOU! Well, except for now, of course. My daughter, now 18 months, was never a good sleeper, but I do remember that she had a few weeks of major separation anxiety at about 11-13 months, so that is probably what your son is experiencing right now, especially since you say he is fine when you are there. I would develop a sleep routine which involves lots of cuddling, etc., perhaps with a favorite toy / blanket too, and just hope for the best. Avoid staying in his room until he falls asleep - if he do, he will expect you to still be there when he wakes up, and he will be very upset if you are not. Try to let him cry it out. Good luck - the phase should pass.

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He could be teething, it really does mess sleep up. Maybe the first year mollars, which are supposed to be hard. Is he sick? Ear infection, that hurts more when they lay down? Fever? Maybe he wants to go to sleep earlier?

Hope any of this strikes a chord,
N.

Hi C., Your baby's teeth could be waking him up and when he stands up it does not hurt as much. I recently read a post about night terrors, where the child wakes before his eyes open and they get frightened. Don't worry about bad habits. He is a baby and whatever is waking him, he needs you to comfort him. Why sleep on the floor when he can come into your bed? Follow your heart and your baby's needs and not some other people's rules. Each of my 5 had times when they needed to cuddle with mommy, they grew out of it too. Good wishes, Grandma Mary

If you don't want to start a habit don't. Get that baby out of your bed!!!! (SMILE) I know you need to sleep but the hardest habit to break is sleeping with mamma. He may be having nightmares, teething or something I would talk to my doctor and see if he has any advice.