i have a question about my baby's nap time. He takes 2-3 short naps during day time. but he does not sleep down. After putting him to sleep, we have to carry him on our shoulders or lap. if we try to put him down on the bed he will wake up. pl let me know how to make him sleep down. at night for the past 1 week he is waking up every 1 hr. He will go back to sleep immdly after carrying him for sometime or feeding him but i am getting worried about his disturbed sleep. pl help. he will sleep only if i lie down with him all the time and he wants me to be like a pacifier. he is doing this only for the past 1 week at night times. he will turn 6 months next week. any similar experiences? He was sleeping well from 3-4 months. then once he turned 5 1/2 months, he has not slept for more than 2 hrs at night. pl help samika replied. Dear Sai and Krishika

Lovely yo hear from you both - glad I could offer some ideas - it's mainly looking at the issue differently. Did you two check out Dr. William Sears's website - it is a treasure. The name again ask dr sears dot com.

My little girl is nine months old. We live in Sydney, Austrlia. How about you two. keep in touch.

Cheers Samika samika replied. Hi Dear Sai

This is Samika.

May I firstly say please don't worry - your son has formed a strong emotional bond to you and this is good. I have done lots of research and reading on
the topic of sleep as my daughter has not been a good sleeper from about four to five weeks of age. While she falls asleep sleeping down, I have been breastfeeding her to sleep - I do this by lying down in our bed next to her as I find it to be the most comfortable position for me and this way, I also get some rest. It is good for you to do this even during the day as you can can also get a nap at the same time - I know it is hard as this is the only time to do other chores and you are worried that it may become a habit. For night time making the room really dark, playing soft nature music and keeping the room temp between 18 and 21 is also recommended. Also is your son wearing comfy cotton clothes in bed.

My little darling still wakes up few/several/many times during the night and will only settle after a milk feed. So I have accepted the situation - it is much easier - do not get stressed by listening to others - many babies do not sleep through the night. Also, when your son wakes, does he go back to sleep straight after or does he want to play - some babies feed more for comfort than hunger.
Also is your baby healthy , happy and has alert periods during the day and seems content - if yes, then do not worry too much about the frequent wakings. Honestly, I have experienced it and am still experiencing it - accepting it and surrendering and enjoying this time with baby I believe is a far healthier and positive attitude. Co sleeping that is sleeping with parents is also advocated as healthy.

Do refer to ask dr sears dot com - he is an American paed. with eight children - there is so much info on sleep. I promise you that you will feel more enlightened and accepting of your situation. Enjoy your child - this is a precious time - he will sleep through the night when he is ready - I have read that some children so not do so until thy are six! Also do a search on la leche league - there are some case studies on this topic where other mums have shared similar stories.

I trust this has been of some use

Good luck and stay in touch

Samika