16 month baby, problems sleeping

[BANNIGAN]

Hi

A friend of mine has asked me to see if you guys can help. She has a 16 month old girl, currently teething, who wakes up regularly at around midnight for around a week. When she goes to calm her down, she's standing up in her cot, screaming, trying to pull herself up on her mum and cannot be layed down. She has been lifting her and sitting her on her knee till she goes off to sleep again. She has laid her in her bed a couple of these nights just to get some sleep. Can anybody please help/advise on what I can do?

[twopennorth]

I would suggest not worrying too much about the child ending up sleeping her bed. That can be sorted out later, right now it is important that everyone gets a good night of sleep.

Has she tried Calpol? There are herbal painkillers for children that can be applied directly to the teeth if she dislikes the idea. It is worth asking a pharmacist.

Most of all I would suggest that if the problem continues not to be afraid to check out with the child's doctor that all is well.

It sounds to me like the little girl is in pain and is looking for comfort, rather than playing her mother up. It is probably a temporary problem.

[Lorraine1234]

There is no magic solution I'm afraid, although Calpol is a great help to some babies and a cuddle works for others. For some nothing seems to work! I've a friend whose baby cries for two hours every night with every tooth! She just gets up and watches telly! It is a very difficult time for mum and baby but it will pass. Mum should try and get all the sleep she can by going to bed early and napping in the daytime with baby if that is at all possible.

[jacihughes]

you can get herbal powders in a sachet called teetha or boots do thier own make, quite good 'cos u can use them inbetween calpol or teething gel. she is still a baba and doesnt know why her gums hurt or why mummy wants her to lie back down! a bottle of kalms might help her mother to stay sane during the day while doing a million things without sleep.