5 Month Old Sleep Issues

Updated on December 27, 2009
H.P. asks from Springfield, MO
5 answers

Ok I need help- my baby is now 5 months old and still does not sleep through the night-on a good night he sleeps 2-3 hours at a time (during the day he may nap 2 times each only about 30 min) I have a four year old that sleeps great and always has. The baby also refuses to sleep in his crib. I have asked his doctor about this for months and she won't help. keeps telling me to wait it out. I have to work full time and am exhausted.

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So What Happened?

Thank you everyone our computer has been down so I couldnt respond. im goin to try some ideas-he does not like swaddling and he is a big baby (19lbs at 5 months). I have tried feeding right before and that hasn't helped-we go back to doctor in a few weeks. ive been asking her for help for awhile so we will see what she says.I paid a sitter earlier this wk while my oldest was in school so I could get some sleep. thank you and hopefully something will change.

More Answers

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M.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I feel for you! Hang in there, it happened to me too and I know it's really tough. Try to get a family member or friend to take night duty for you so that you can have one good night's rest.

With my daughter, it was ear infections keeping her awake, and she didn't sleep really well until she got tubes at 8 mons. Make sure your doctor has ruled out everything like that and any weird rashes, or other things that might make him uncomfortable.

I'd also recommend something to make white noise, a fan helped with my daughter and her humidifier hums too. Also, if you can elevate one end the mattress in the crib a bit, maybe by slipping a rolled up blanket under one side and putting his head more upright, that helps with drainage if anything along those lines is bothering him.

But a night off for you is the best medicine...maybe as a suggested gift over the holidays?? :)

Best of luck!
M.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Your post is about a month old, so I hope things have improved, but if not, have you tried putting him on his tummy? This is obviously a very personal choice, but it has worked for my kids. Hope you get some sleep soon!

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K.G.

answers from St. Louis on

The book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" really worked for me and my family. At five months, my youngest son was waking up either one or two times to eat, and he promptly went back to sleep right afterward. The book helped me understand what he was capable of and gave me permission to give my child the practice he needed to fall asleep on his own.

Good luck!

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A.C.

answers from St. Louis on

I was having both nap and night time problems also. My sister sent me the book "The Sleep Easy Solution." Last Friday I started using the advice in the book, by Sunday he was napping awesome and Sunday night he only woke up once for a few minutes, and last night (Tuesday night) he slept all the way through the night (11 hours) with no waking. It does involve letting your baby cry, but it really does only last two nights that they do any serious crying...after that it was amazing!! There is a section in the book about weaning night time feedings also, if you are having to feed your son at night.

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J.W.

answers from San Diego on

hello,
i find feeding immediately before i put my baby down that it really helps. we do not swaddle anymore but daycare does and apparently that is working to keep her asleep for her naps perhaps would help you too?
double check the temperature in his room and although you probably already do this, use "white noise" we have an ocean sounds machine but a fan works too.as for not liking the crib, my baby won't sleep in hers for naps only at night. sometimes they just have their quirks

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