My 5-month-old just started night waking…
Dear Mrs. Pickle,
My 5-month-old used to sleep through the night but has recently started night waking. His naps are pretty random, usually in the car or stroller while we’re out. His bedtime is around 8:00 PM. What happened and what do I do to fix this? Debra, 36
Dear Debra,
When babies are under 5 months old, they can still seem to get away with the random naps you are describing without becoming too overtired. As they get older, however, their sleep patterns change and becomes more like adult sleep patterns with similar REM cycles. Because of this, random naps on the go simply do not provide a baby with the true quality sleep he needs during the day. This often leads to an overtired state by bedtime, which can cause night waking.
Many mothers are actually unaware that their babies are overtired because an overtired baby does not necessarily look tired. In fact, they often look the opposite of tired. The reason for this is because babies are biologically programmed to become stimulated when they have not had enough rest. This, back in primitive times, was a survival instinct. My advice to you is to provide your baby with scheduled naps in his crib.
At this age, he should be having 2 to 3 naps a day for at least an hour each. The first nap should occur about an hour or two after he wakes up in the morning. Carefully watch your baby to see if he is becoming tired and begin soothing him for his nap before he is overtired. The second nap depends on how long the first nap lasts but should be taken at around 12 or 1 in the afternoon. Make sure he is not getting overtired by not keeping him up for more than two hours at a time. This means he may need a 3rd nap in the late afternoon, which should actually be quite short and can be taken anywhere. I would also suggest putting him to bed earlier. Some babies can go to sleep for the night as early as 5:00 PM. You don’t necessarily have to put him in this early, but definately before 6:30. You’ll notice the night waking will soon stop and your baby will be happier during his awake times. Good luck and good sleeping!
Mrs. Pickle, also known as Mara Nusspickel, is a certified School Counselor with an MA from Teachers College, Columbia University and an MS from the Graduate Campus of Long Island University. She has counseled children of all ages, as well as their parents. Her interest in sleep solutions began when she experienced her own children’s bedtime issues. Mrs. Pickle has helped many new parents work through some very tough, sleepless times, offering support and assisting them in developing schedules to provide the entire household with peaceful, restful nights. Mrs. Pickle currently lives with her husband David and two children Allie (3 1/2), and Jordyn (6 months).
Have a question about your child’s sleep habits? Ask Mrs. Pickle at mrspickle@honestbaby.com Just be sure to provide your child’s age and daily sleep patterns to get the most personalized response…
