Bubs has lost his sleep pattern!

[Nini74]

My little one is just coming up to 6 months. For the last 4 weeks he has been settling down so well in the evening, our routine of bath, feed, cuddles then up to bed for a story has worked a treat. On Saturday we had to leave our routine as we were out, and he fell asleep in his pram and was then put to bed already sleeping when we got home. Since then, the routine stays the same, but he just won't settle when he goes to bed - can't even hear his story because he's crying so much. I end up bringing him back downstairs for cuddles and waiting for him to sleep in my arms. I don't want him to get into that habit. If I persevere with sticking to our routine, will he fall back into it? He's also been waking in the night (3.00am) and not settling back without a bottle, and he'd been sleeping through the nights for ages! I know its my fault for not sticking to our routine on Saturday, but is this what caused the problem?

[lcg]

ah...he's already a wise lad and seems to be taking advantage of your new-found hospitality! in fairness, tho, bubs do tend to have blips in their usual waking/sleeping patterns. is he teething also? there could be so many different factors here. try to extend your early evening routine and not pack him off to bed as early. try shortening mid-afternoon naps. whatever you do, don't do 'anything' to keep him settled/quiet - he will continue to enjoy being awake! if all else fails...take it in turns to keep the little fella occupied and use ear plugs when it's not your shift. i'm sure that others will also have some more sensible suggestions x

[askyourgran]

Don't be too hard on yourself Nini one nights disruption to the routine shouldn't make that much difference. Keep on with your routine, he is becoming more aware now, as long as you reassure him with cuddles before bedtime he should be OK. Have a word with your Health visitor if you are at all concerned. Do you give him enough baby food/milk?

[clydeserani]

Hi. Ive had the same problem with my little guy on a couple of occassions when his routine has been disrupted. I have discovered that if i do put him to bed and he is disturbed and crying I go into the room and lift him without speaking to him, perhaps only a wee quiet "Hello Baby". I sit on the side of the bed and snuggle him in and rock him gently. I find that the keeping quiet and ensuring he has no outside stimulation whatsoever allows him to resettle relatively quickly. I always try to put him back down to his bed before he is fast asleep (quiet and sleepy, not screaming and howling) so that he can keep his routine of self soothing.It can sometimes take several room visits but he soon gets the message and nods off again.

I hope this helps. it works for me anyway. xx

[Nini74]

thanks all - feel a bit better now. he is teething at the moment too, so perhaps its all just a bit much for him at the moment. xx

[puma86]

It may sound a little harsh but I used to leave my LO to cry/grizzle until he feel asleep again. Obviously I went in there if he really started crying (you'll know what i mean lol). If he's only grizzling try leaving him to settle himself down again.