My 15 month old had an ear infection, a sinus infection and an URI over 10 days ago, she was on antibiotics and infant's tylenol during the 10 days, and since she's been better, she's still waking up at night crying, like she was when she was sick. Did she form a bad habit during that time, and what can I do to make her stop?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Thanks everyone for your advice!! It took some time (and a few nights of getting up with her) but we made it!! I found that if I gave her more to drink during the day (keeping her SUPER hydrated) she didn't wake up. Maybe she needed more drink to help heal her faster. I also let her cry a bit longer than normal and would rock her a bit to calm her down and she'd go right back to sleep.
My son had surgery two weeks ago. So I so hear you! He wakes frequently throughout the night now, with little cries.
Last night, I went in once, early on, but that was that. I decided I needed to stop responding so that he could get some quality sleep. Poor guy is overtired as well, which feeds the wake-up cycle.
In any case, he never once fussed for more than 1 minute. I do the 1 minute rule in this house, and it usually works.
Oh man, that's so hard when your little ones are sick! Sometimes, I think what happens with kiddos is that they get used to the comfort. She was sick and hurting and you were there, with cuddles and sympathy. Now she's feeling better but her body is confused, it still wants to wake up at night and she's feeling lonely.
My best suggestion is when she cries, (unless it's one that you know means business) count to 10. Sometimes it's more a crying out than a cry, and they'll settle back down. We went through this with our youngest who was hospital sick with a Kidney infection. She was waking the same time each night, but she'd fall back asleep on her own if I didn't go in and cause any other noise to wake her right up. If she settles, then great! If not, go in, pick her up, cuddle her and then lay her down in bed. Keep telling her you're there, rub a back etc. If she cries, again pick her up until she just settles and the repeat. It feels frustrating but it only takes a few times and she'll go back to sleep.
Either way, no matter what you do, she'll eventually settle down. Being sick is hard on them and it takes awhile to recover (think about when you're super sick...takes awhile to feel back to yourself). She just needs a little more from you for a little longer. I say, since you've noticed the pattern it can be changed long before a habit is formed.
And remember, all habits no matter good or bad can be broken with consistancy. And no matter what you do, as long as you love her you're doing the right thing for your family and your baby. You're a great Mom and you're doing awesome!
Did you have her on probiotics as well? Anytime anyone is on antis, they should be on pros. She may have an upset stomach from them. She could also have a yeast infection and thrush from them. Get her some, or at least get her some YoBaby yogurt or Keifer. It may make all the difference.
How to Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems...is a great book, great resource. It comes in paperback with a red cover. It will help now and again when she moves to a big bed. -- Good luck; I know that it is hard to feel like you are backtracking in the sleep area!
