Saturday, November 1, 2008

Actually Soliciting Parenting Advice!

Hey- I have a question for those of you who would like to clue me in on their parenting secrets.

I think it's a common baby thing but Sean has been waking up after only 7--8 hours of sleep. He doesn't seem hurt, in pain, sick, or even hungry. I usually end up giving him a few minutes of crying (he usually cries for a few minutes then goes back to sleep only to wake up one hour later and continue crying). So, I end up feeding him a bottle.

He used to sleep 12 hours no problem until about five days ago. This has been going on for about that long. Last night, I was so exhausted I just gave him a sippy cup of milk and this morning when he woke up it was all over himself and his bedding.

Anyway, my question is....what do I do? Do I just let him cry it out for a few nights? will he have some kind of emotional/attachment issue? I could let him cry when he was younger b/c it seemed okay. Now, he is older and I feel like he knows why he cries and I don't want him to feel abandoned.

Any suggestions you parenting genius's?

8 comments:

Lara said...

I'm not a good one to ask, seeing as how I can't even let Jax cry for more than a minute before rushing to his side.. I'm so weak!! And in NO WAY a parent genius. But it sounds to me like maybe Sean is going through a growth spurt- those always end up throwing off sleeping patterns for a week or two then they get back into it. So I'd say just hang in there and before you know it *fingers crossed* it'll be back to normal soon! Let us know how it goes!

Mommy Melissa said...

It could also be teething, especially if it's a new kind of tooth. Reed was a pill with his molars and eye teeth. How old is he again? I wouldn't be worried about messing with his emotional attachment, though, if I were you. My pediatrician told me to only go in his room at night if he was sick or hurt. Other than that, she said it was better for him to put himself back to sleep. If you think he might be waking up hungry, I would suggest a snack, or extra bottle/drink before bed.

Kristy said...

Kids do this on and off. Myles will do really well for a few months and then go 1-2 weeks of not sleeping as well as normal. I would pat him on the back and try giving him more milk then just take it back if he makes a huge mess of it. Sometimes I get Myles hyper and running around about 2 hours before bed then spend the last 30 min calming him down. Myles just needs to be a little more active. Good luck! It is so frustrating though, especially when you're pregnant.

Lara said...

It seems like everything I was going to say is covered. It could be that he is teething and waking up. I know Landon has his times where he will just wake up and will get off of his schedule for a few days. Its irritating, but usually it fixes itself in a week or two. I never go to Landon at night or in the mornings unless he is sick or screaming (he NEVER screams, so if he does I know there is SOMETHING wrong). I always go to him when it is his time to wake up. Just do what you think is best, follow your motherly instincts - its usually the best thing to do! :)

Jaimee said...

No advice from me, I obviously don't know much because my kids MAYBE sleep 7-8 hours a night. Good luck though :)
PS you should ask your pediatrician about it when you go for his 15 month appointment

samantha said...

Hey,Lori you are the best mom I've erver seen. Don't you worry your pretty little head. Sean is probably cutting some eye teeth and I feel for you and hope you get some rest soon. love S

FitNotQuitJess said...

TOTALLY been there done that with Jerimiah. It was hard but just let him cry it out. If he cries for more than 30 minutes then go check on him, lay him back down, don't talk to him, cover him up and leave again. It might take a few nights but eventually he'll realize he's still supposed to sleep.

This only took about a week or two for Jerimiah to catch on. Call or text if you have questions.

Renae said...

I've just been thinking about Lori, and her cute self, wondering how you've been feeling and if you need anything:D (seriously, though, if you need anything; a sitter, some chocolate)