The problem:
I need some help from those of you who have maybe experienced this. For the last week Mr. Ben has been waking up one or two times a night and screaming bloody murder. When we tried to let him "cry it out" it doesn't work like it usually does. And he's not just crying but absolutely screaming very, very loudly (Sam still doesn't wake up!).
When we go in to pick him up he immediately falls back asleep on top of our chests as we hold him out on the couch. Nothing is wrong - he just wants us to hold him as he falls back asleep.
While this is quite sweet and we like to cuddle him this way - we are not used to the boys waking at night and don't want him to get in this habit.
Has this happened to anyone? Any advice on how you got it to stop?
Thanks so much!
Hmmm. Screams like that from my children mean teeth, bad dream, ears, or reflux usually. When they keep happening, it makes me think teeth or reflux. And when he falls asleep held, it makes me think that being upright is helpful to make him feel better (reflux or ears). I would think you would know if he had reflux by now, so I am really thinking you need to get your little monkeys ears checked again. Is this the one that is getting/has tubes? Sorry I am not good at tracking. This could also be the same with congestion-where upright makes them feel better. Esp with my kids taking pacis they can't breath and suck at the same time if they are congested, but I think that congestion would be pretty obvious. Can you elevate the bed/crib so that he is sleeping on more of an incline? When they are young, I usually let them sleep in the carseat until this passes. I am totally with you, I had to develop bad habits, but this sounds like its medical and if you need to hold a little bit until it passes, you can break it when it is over without too much trouble. Poor guy, I really do think he is hurting and upright makes him feel better, regardless of what it is.
ReplyDeleteWell you are very lucky if this is a first... congrats to you guys for making it so far without many night waking issues! It could be so many different things, Jill. They are at the prime age for separation anxiety. I don't know your whole situation, but if he calms right down when you pick him up, then I bet he just wants mommy or daddy. Jackson went through this a few months ago and was instantly calmed when I held him (knew he wasn't sick). He just wanted his mama. Finally I had to let him cry it out and it was brutal. It was off and on screaming/brief sleep/more crying for probably 2 hours one night, but then it was better after that. Could be ears, but if he's not congested, then I doubt it. Both Sofie and Jackson went through this during our marathon of ear infections, but when they had ear infections they never calmed right down when I held them. You guys have been through this, so you what your kids are like when they have ear pain. I've heard that babies can also have nightmares (but I would doubt that's it, too). Is he gassy at all? Jackson has woken a few times lately (earlier in the night probably due to dinner) absolutely screaming and seemed to be in pain. So we've gone in there, but he still doesn't settle down and it's like he's pulling knees to chest. Mylacon gas drops work within minutes for this! Truly a lifesaver when gas is to blame. But again, if he calms right down, when you pick him up, then that probably isn't the issue. Don't know if any of this helps, but just thought I'd share since I'm very seasoned with night wakings... haha! :) Knock on wood the past month or two has been glorious! Seriously, you guys have done AWESOME in the sleep department!
ReplyDeleteJulie :)
Julie
Thank you so much, girls! That was really helpful advice. yes, we have been very, very lucky in the sleep dept. Most mom's probably wouldn't bat and eye at what I am complaining about in this post.
ReplyDeleteSo, last night he woke up and didn't cry so hard so we let him cry for maybe, 5 minutes and he went to bed! I hope that was that and he won't wake up again.