9 Month Old Wont Sleep in Crib!

I had the very same problem with my Daughter and the only thing that I could do was to take the crib mattress out of the crib and lay it on the floor with a soft blanket next to it incase she rolled off and just let her sleep there. She did great and at 11 months we bought her a toddler bed and she has slept in it ever sense. I think that they get a fear of the bars and being inclosed. I know you may worry about them getting up and playing but if you leave them and the do play eventually they will fall asleep by them selves. I hope this helps you.

I have an 18 month old boy and I got him to sleep in his crib (in his own room) by putting on one of those nightlight things that hook to the side of the crib and light up. He doesnt like the dark so when he does wake up in the middle of the night he goes right back to sleep. It was hard with is crib in my room because he'd wake up and see me sleeping and want to sleep with me. But now he's in his own room and loving it. Trust me you will too! good luck!

Is the crib in your room? That might help a lot for him to get used to the situation. There may also be times, if you need privacy, when he will just have to cry it out in his room for a while. I had both of my children sleep in the same bed with me most of the time. It was easier for me in many ways. It also eased MY trauma! There is a book called The Family Bed. Even though you may not want your baby to be with you all of the time, it may have helpful hints about calming your child. I also recommend Ben Spock's books and the the guy that wrote Your Baby and Child (or something like that). Good luck.

First: Take the crib out of your rooom. He can see and hear you, and it is too tempting for him to want to be the center of attention.

It sounds like he's got you into a routine that you've fallen for. Babies can train their parents (no joke!) I would suggest stopping the patterns that have been created (which are clearly causing you stress to have to repeat) and let him learn that he CAN calm himself. This will help reassure his own growing independence.

You may try developing some things for him that will allow him some time of his own - such as placing a few baby books/toys in his crib (change them out so he doesn't get bored) so he can play until he falls asleep. Maybe changing the music to a white-noise machine such as running water - which is repetitive and less stimulating. Lavender oil on his bedding, and a darkened room can help too. Yes, he may cry at first, or for awhile, but I promise it will be worth it in the end!

Good luck!

I'm 29 yrs old too and I have a nine month old daughter and I have the same problems. I have to rock her all the time and she refuses to go back in her crib. I've come to the conclusion that it is a couple of things POSSIBLY: She is teething (two bottom teeth are poked through), that causes them to be clingy and restless, she is having anxiety from missing me when I put her in her crib, so she wakes up. It is probably even harder for you because the crib is in your room. I know its hard, but try moving the crib out of the room, a baby knows when mommy is near by and it makes it even harder. Also, I've tried putting my baby in her crib and letting her cry it out and she got used to it and would go to sleep without being rocked. I know it hurts to hear them cry, but eventually he will get used to it and its better for both of you. I think she only requires me to rock her now because of her teething and being in pain, but I'm also having problems too! I can't get her to go back in her crib either in the middle of the night, its so frustrating, I know!!!! It's so nice to know that someone else is having the same problems. Considering we are both the same age with the same age baby, I'd like to keep in touch, this is great! my email is ____@____.com! I hope things get better for you! Take Care!

J.,

hi! i really like the advice from the baby whisperer books...especially the question/answer one. it has been really helpful in getting my little guy to sleep in his crib and to sleep all night. for the longest time, i'd have to hold him to get him to go to sleep for him to wake up throughout the night and need to be held to get back to sleep! it was so frustrating. the baby whisperere suggests various techniques that will help get you through it without having to rock him or hold him. however, there will likely be some crying involved...different for each child. the method is halfway between crying it out (ferber) and no crying (no cry sleep solution). there is also a good forum on the baby whisperer site where you can tailor the methods to your child's age. it has worked great for us as parker is sleeping 10-12 hours a day and when he wakes up, he can get himself back to sleep without needing us!

good luck!
-B.

Both our children did not sleep in our room. We did the bedtime routine and laid them in their crib to sleep on their own, even if they cried. We took care of needs (fear, burping, etc.), but not the if I cry enough I'll end up in their bed cry.

It's REALLY hard at first to hear them cry, but at 9 mos old, they're capable of sleeping on their own and through the night (unless there is a medical issue). It's worth it now, unless you want the same routine when they're three.

he has you trained. try wrapping him up tightly in a blanket. it will make him feel like he is being cuddled and maybe wont wake up so much. but the best thing is to move the crib to his room and leave him in there no matter how he tries to be in your bed.. alos all naps in the crib. make it a fun place to be during the day, put him in there with favorite toys and play with him when he is in there, remove at night to avoid overstimalation. also establish a bedtime and stick to it. at 9 he goes to bed and that is it, no peeking, use the monitor to make sure he is safe. he will eventuallys stop crying and go to sleep, sounds cruel but consistency is the key

Is there a problem with him sleeping in your bed? Honestly, I am in need of sleep more than I need my baby in the crib. We put her to sleep at night in the crib and when she wakes in the middle of the night, we bring her to our bed to nurse and sleep. Not for everyone, I suppose, but makes for better sleep for all of us.

Who WANTS to sleep behind bars? You are lucky to have one of the smarter babies.