I have a problem with my 1.5-year-old son, and more specifically with his night sleep. At the beginning I will explain that we are a normal, full, loving family, the child is not missing anything. There is peace and quiet in the house, no quarrels, etc. My son slept well before, sometimes at night it was even 12 hours. For about a month, our nights have been a nightmare. The little one goes to sleep around 22-23 and most often I have to beat him in a pram. A restful sleep may take 2-3 hours. Later, they start waking up every 2 hours, but the son does not wake up, cries in his sleep, sometimes it is enough to give him water and a pacifier and he sleeps on, but after approx. 2 hours. another such wake up call. After a few such cutscenes, usually around 4-5, the little one, crying in his sleep, pulls out his arms, so I take him, he wakes up and wants to be walked around the house with him. Usually after 2-3 hours. After having fun, he goes to sleep and then he falls asleep alone and sleeps, which is strange, calmly and without any crying or problems until 11am, then he goes to sleep around 1pm and he falls asleep alone again and sleeps peacefully for 3 hours. I asked the pediatrician what to do with it, he prescribed the little Hydroxyzyn, as if it helped, the little one fell asleep alone in the evening, but after 4 hours. the drug did not work anymore, after 2 weeks of use I stopped. Another pediatrician recommended Melisal, we have been using it for a week, but there is no improvement. I tried to take a nap during the day, I also tried to wake him up after about an hour, but he only got more angry and he couldn't take it until the evening. We try to follow certain rituals - meals, baths, etc. How to check what is wrong with the little one or what to do? Any research? And in what direction, if already?
The problem of young children sleeping is a very important topic for the whole family, you understand your anxiety. There are many tips and advice in this regard that should be tested and followed if they work (except maybe those that recommend leaving the baby alone until he calms down).
Children at this age develop very quickly, which is why there are changes in the area of food demand (sudden increase), sleep, rest, and type of activity. It may be that your son is experiencing some developmental change, or, for example, his teeth are growing and that is why he wakes up, he may need more milk (he has a wet diaper - it bothers him), he may need closeness or he is experiencing separation anxiety. Maybe he or she forgets (awake) it's bedtime and starts having fun. It may be that this change is theretemporary and it will disappear soon, if not, be patient and test the safe recommendations for putting your baby to sleep when awake.
How to deal with a crying baby waking up from sleep?
When the child wakes up, it is not worth intervening immediately (appearing), it is worth giving him a moment to fall asleep on his own. All activities, such as changing a nappy, giving water or milk, should be done calmly in dim light. Let us not wake the child up by talking or entertaining - in this way we encourage him to play. Let's hug, let's have a moment. You shouldn't always feed them right away. Then let us try to fall asleep on our own - let him cry for a moment, then calm them down again - carry them and put them away. And so many times - to sleep. Carrying on your arms or putting your child to sleep with their parents in bed is not a bad thing, as long as it acts in crisis situations and is in line with our needs. In case of teething, it is worth giving a painkiller as recommended by
You shouldn't leave your baby crying in bed without showing up and calming down on a regular basis, as it then loses its sense of security. You cannot leave the child alone with a bottle of water or milk.
It is important whether your son is developing properly in other areas, if so, you should not worry. Developmental disorders are not diagnosed at a time if a child is developing normally. The most important thing is patience and support from relatives so that the entire burden of the night struggle does not fall on one person. After a strong awakening, children often fall asleep on their own, if we do not intervene too early, taking the child to their own bed, sending their dad or grandma - maybe at the moment she reacts to her mother with greater arousal. If this continues to worry you, you may consult a pediatric neurologist to rule out neurological complaints and to calm down. For now, if possible, please rest during his nap, so that you have strength and patience.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Dominika Ambroziewicz-WnukPsychologist, personal development trainer.
For 20 years she has been working with teenagers, young adults and their carers. Supports people who experience school and relational difficulties, adolescence disorders and teenage parents www.centrum-busola.pl
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