Sleeping Set-Back

[maydaymom10]

So my 5-mo-old DS was beginning to lengthen his sleep stretches at night until last week. He'd been going 4-5 hours between night wakings, but then got his first cold last weekend. It wasn't too bad, although he is still a little congested today.

Anyway, he's not reverted to waking every 1.5 to 2 hours and seems to want to nurse each time. I've tried to just rock him back to sleep, but he wakes up screaming again as soon as his head hits the mattress. He's been sleeping in his own room, but I did bring him back into bed with me last night. Even with bed sharing, he still waking every 2 hours.

We haven't started solids yet, but am wondering if maybe he's showing signs of being ready and it is just a coincidence in the timing of the cold and all. He's been reaching for my food & water. Also, he seems to be eating every 3 to 4 hours during the day; it's only at night that I've seen increased feedings.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone else has experienced this (the set-back in the night sleeping) and has any advice. He's never been a great napper, but is consistently taking an hour-long morning nap and a few shorter afternoon naps.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[alegna]

It's normal for babies to go back to waking every hour or two and needing to nurse. As they get more active during the day they often need to make up calories at night. I wouldn't start solids, but I would try to offer nursing more often while he's awake.

good luck!

-Angela

[Learning_Mum]

I found about 4 - 5 months both my boys started to become really crappy sleepers, and generally just be more unsettled and crabby. I have often heard about a change at 4mo. If it makes you feel better they do get over it!