Sleep Issues - Cumming,GA

Updated on July 20, 2009
V.G. asks from Alexandria, VA
4 answers

I have an 18-month-old happy, energetic son who, until recently, was a FABULOUS sleeper. Over this past week he has been getting up every night at 4am. He isn't crying but he is talking away and doing a little yelling (which he does during the day as well). The first night this happened I didn't go in there and he eventually fell back to sleep but when he did wake back up and I went in to get him, he had taken off a poopy diaper and it was EVERYWHERE! So every night since I have gone in and changed his diaper even though he has only been wet. He still stays awake for 2 - 3 hours. In addition to this, he has been boycotting naps about every other day. I am due to have our second baby in 3 weeks and would really like my good sleeper back before I have another one keeping me up all night. Have any of you had a similar experience who might be able to shed some light on why this is happening and what I can do to stop it? I'm exhausted and willing to try just about anything at this point. Thanks.

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P.S.

answers from Macon on

He might have some teeth coming through. My children's teeth were stilling coming through during their 9-18th months.

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J.S.

answers from Atlanta on

It could be teeth. That is easy, if you give him advil and he is better and within a month, all behavior goes back to normal you will know.

It could be he is developing a digestive issue (milk is the first suspect which you could replace all milk products with rice milk). If he is fully vaccinated, you may want to do some reading on what happens to the digestive and how it begins with sleep disterbances and irritation during the day. Dr Sears Vaccine book may be a good one, Mothering Magazine does a good job as well.

If his cheeks tend to be red, somewhat splotchy, that is a very typical reaction which the immune is showing response to food allegeries, etc. Many moms take a "wait and see" approach at this age that I don't recommend. Make some changes (like adding proibotics -1 opened capsule added to juice per day, artic cod liver oil with lemon -.5 tsp a day, remove cows milk and consider limiting gluten/wheat) and see what happens. Watch his stools and make sure they are well formed( not hard, soft, or light in color).

I know you have a wonderful new baby and want to focus on that great event. But you may have to make a few changes before baby comes so you won't have that excuse to deter you. After the baby comes, you will say "Oh, he is not doing that because he is jealous of the baby or the baby woke him up". So, do your best now so you can see the changes before then.

Congrats on the wonderful new one on its way. J

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D.C.

answers from Savannah on

it's just a phase he knows there are lots of exciting things going on in the world and he doesnt want to stop to take a nap, onsies are great for keeping the diaper unreachable, I would stop going in to get him at night once you put a onsie on let him put him self back to sleep, its great for him to know how to do this and will come in handy with the new baby. Also keep putting him down for at least 1 nap a day he maybe outgrowing 2 naps so make sure thats not the case, I think hes too young to stop naps all together, make sure he's not over tired when you lay him down that can actually make him hyper. if my 16 mo old doesnt nap at her time( she still takes 2 but they are phasing out) I make her stay in her crib anyway ( I usually do a poopy diaper check if she is really fussing) but then right back in the crib even if she cries usually she will fall asleep if not she stays in for at least an hour just keep up with your routine and try to follow it when your new baby is born at least for your older son. I have managed to get my 4 yr old to do a quiet time in her room every day when the baby naps and this gives me a nice break so be persistent and keep putting him down for a nap you will be happy you did! Oh 1 other suggestion you might want to put a white noise or fan in his room this will help him sleep when there is a crying newborn in the house, it worked wonders for us!

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K.D.

answers from Atlanta on

Try putting a onesie on him with crotch snaps so that he can't get to his diaper. You may also want to use a sleep sack the zips from the top down. This will prevent him from getting to his diaper and lifting his leg over the crib to climb out of it.

Good luck.

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