DS Requires Rocking/Bouncing Last 2 Hours of Night

[DawnMom23]

Looking for some suggestions regarding my 7-month-old son who spends the last 2 hours of his nighttime sleep in a light REM phase. He frequently stiffens his body and arches his back, requiring me to sit up and rock and bounce him so his body relaxes again. On good nights I can do this repeatedly (every 5-10 minutes he requires the bouncing and rocking) until he eventually will go through one more deep sleep and then wake happily for the day. Most days, however, despite my best efforts, I cannot prevent him from prematurely awakening himself, and then he cries and is cranky for the day. I've tried alternating bedtimes, but this makes no difference. My middle child did the same thing and did not grow out of it until after she turned two. I am hoping I can find a solution this time around. I am desperately tired and so is my son. Thank you in advance for your input.

[skycheattraffic]

I have a rocking armchair/recliner in DD's room and on days/nights when she's having a hard time relaxing (light sleep, arching, waving around, etc) I often sleep in there with her on my lap. At the first sign of sleep disruption I start rocking lightly and she drifts off again. She's about 20 months old now but if she's really sick or teething heavily, I resort to this for often a lot more than two hours. It's comfy enough for me to sleep and I'm usually fairly well rested come morning. I don't know if it would work for your LO but it's been a lifesaver for me. I'm trying to transition off of it since I'm expecting baby #2 and won't be able to keep doing that once I also have a newborn.

[pickle18]

I don't have alot of advice, but wanted to at least offer you some support!   DS is 19 months and has always done this as well.  Co-sleeping and breastfeeding are the only solution I've found - I don't sleep through this period, really, because he switches breasts alot and squirms, cries out, etc.  But I can sort of half-sleep or rest with my eyes closed, which is better than nothing...   

[Learning_Mum]

Do you cosleep? Honestly, I think if you cosleep I would just cut out the rocking and bouncing and just lie next to him and rub is back or something while he fusses. It will probably take some time to adjust but I think you'll be helping him in the long run by letting him learn how to get himself back to sleep.

[JudiAU]

My sister always called this "lazy boy" sleep which was key for her HN child.