Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
Infant Who Wakes Up Several Times during the Night | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
My eight-month-old daughter has been waking up several times during the night for the past two months. I have to hold her for a few minutes or put her in bed with me in order for her to fall back asleep. She is currently teething. Could this be the problem? How should I deal with this? It seems like she's getting used to this routine of waking up during the night (usually around 3-4 am). Please advise... Thank you.— Hope in Kuwait | | | ANSWER |
March 8, 2001 | | | Dear Hope,
It is very common for children who have been good sleepers to develop nighttime waking between six and twelve months of age. This problem is often a sign of positive development because it shows that the child's memory has developed to the point that she can remember that mommy or daddy is in the room next door. That should comfort you somewhat, although it won't make up for the lost sleep!
A good, basic approach is to make sure that you are putting your child down for naps and for the night when she is drowsy but not fully asleep. Then, when she wakes partway up in the early morning (as all children do), she will know how to settle herself back down. Also, when you come in to re-settle her in the middle of the night, calm her down quickly and put her back in her crib again before she is fully asleep.
— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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