Baby Won't Stay Asleep

by Tia

My almost 6 month old son will fall asleep pretty easily if he is really tired either after a bottle or nurse or sometimes just walking around. But he wakes up shortly after in his bed, stroller or car seat if it is not in motion... he sleeps great on a long walk in the stroller or a big car trip but stops wake him up. I want him to sleep longer than 20-30 minutes.

If I nap in my bed w/ him then sometimes he will go down for an hour but I can't always do that. And sometimes he wakes up then and quits napping even next to me. He can sleep pretty well 11 or 12 til' 6 or 7 because he is finally giving in, I guess to being tired. I know he is tired! He sleeps in my arms/lap but transfer is killer as well cause' he starts awake!

Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Tia!

It sounds as if your son has found a great habit (in his mind) – to sleep while someone's rocking him gently. Must be wonderful... ;-) Not so great for you though! I completely understand that you want him to sleep for longer than 20-30 minutes!

One thing that comes to my mind is that you probably will have to teach him how to fall asleep while being still and not being nursed. Does he use a pacifier? If not you might want to consider offering him one.

I think lying down with him on his bed is probably better than rocking him, to teach him to sleep without being in motion. Another thing I've tried with success with my kids is to have the baby in a stroller (inside if possible) and rock him until almost asleep. Then stop and let him try to fall asleep on his own. If he starts crying, then rock the stroller again until his calm and then continue this process until he falls asleep.

If he starts to wake (you really need to monitor him in the beginning), start rocking again to make him go back to sleep. This way you should be able to teach him to go to sleep and stay asleep on his own and for long periods.

It might not happen over night, but who changes a habit that fast... ;-)

Do you think this could work for you? Otherwise get back to me, and we'll try another strategy.

Wish you good luck!

Paula

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