How do you get a eight month old to return to a sleep schedule?

Question

My eight month old baby started waking up twice during the night and she is very hungry. I went on a trip to europe for two weeks and when we returned she was sick and then after she got better she started waking up at night screaming and we give her a bottle and she eats 6-8 ozs. I am trying to return her to her scheduled feedings of every four hours during the day and then sleep for 10-11 hours. She is only sleeping at 3 hour intervals in the night and then waking for the bottle.

Answer 1

I know this sounds mean but it works.

Let her cry it out. Don not go in there leave her to cry. She is not doing it because she is hungry, it is for attention.

I did it with my son two nights later he was back to sleeping through the night.

Answer 2

Often infants go through stages in which the feeding schedule will change. It may be a developmental thing instead of it having to do with a trip or being sick (If that was the case, then 2 weeks back on schedule would fix your problem).
That, and infants will not usually fall asleep just because you want them to.
She may just need more nourishment at this age, going through a growth spurt, etc etc. Hard to know without all the details.
I just say keep at it and it will work itself out in time. Just keep getting closer and closer to the "normal" schedule, and eventually it'll happen. Patience is the key.
However, if she keeps waking up from hunger every couple hours, maybe it is time to increase the amount she eats.

Answer 3

Hi, I'm having the same problem. Some nights are like they used to be, but mostly its 1-2 time per night to eat or just rock. I practice the attachment parenting style so cry it out is not an option. I'm too weak for it. So, I just try to stay calm, continue with our normal routine and pray that things will soon be back to normal. Babies change so much the first year, I doubt you and I will get much sleep until after they turn 1. Good luck.

Answer 4

Hi,

This is how I have handled it:

You can try to let her cry herself back to sleep. She will cry, but, will fall back to sleep on her own. I put two little soft/non-choking hazard toys in my daughters crib, so that she can play with them when she wakes. We also leave a night-light in her room

Another, more gentler option:

When she cries, let her have about 3-5 minutes of crying before you go into her room, to make sure that she is waking up.

Next walk into the room, lay her down...without getting her out of the crib. Tell her it is night-night time, rub her back for around 1 minute. Then, leave the room.

Let her cry for 3 min. - due the same thing
Let her cry for 5 min. " "
Let her cry for 8 min. " "
Let her cry for 11 min. " "

It will probably take about 1 hour for her to tire herself out, and go back to sleep.

You will have to repeat this for 2-3 days, but she will fall back into the sleep pattern that you desire.

They often get clingy when they are sick, or vacationing...new places/routine.

You will have to re-create your old routine.

I hope this helps,
Stephanie

Answer 5

who was watching her while u were away? are u still doing the same things with her that u did before? try feeding her more. do u give her cereal in her milk? are her diapers changed? maybe you should get her real tired and play with her alot more. the older they get the less they wanna sleep, that how it is for my baby

Answer 6

sorry it might sound mean but it works


don't give her the bottle let her cry she will cry her self to sleep
she just needs attetion .. thats what i did whity my littel girl