can't get 4 month old to sleep laying down?

Question

I have a 4 month old and the only way he will sleep is if he is sitting up, like in his car seat or in the corner of the lazy boy. When we lay him down in his crib or bassinet he cries constantly like he is in pain, but then we sit him up and he falls asleep with no fussing. Has anyone else experienced this and have any suggestions on how to get him to sleep laying down? We don't want this to become a habit for him.

Answer 1

Hmmm.. have you spoken to his pediatrician about this? Maybe something related to stomach acid... or sinuses... (My sister had major adnoid problems as a very young child...) It could just be that he's more comfortable sitting up than laying down, but that's a bit unusual... so it bears checking out.

I'd get serious with the pediatrician about it... explain that it's not just your child's personal preference... The thing is, Ped's are used to new parents "pole vaulting over mouse turds"... So he may not take you seriously. Make him hear you. That's what he's there for. This is affecting your child's sleep patterns, and sleep is critical to your son's development and growth. He needs a thorough exam to check for any physical cause. If he refuses to even check for physical causes, I'd look for a different pediatrician. Remember, your son can't tell you how or where or why it hurts... he can just tell you that it does. It's your job to advocate for him, because he can't speak for himself.

Answer 2

Well try laying down with him on the bed with a bottle on the bed ..scratch his head gently and calmly.Have your hand behind his so when you pick him up to put him in his crib or bassinet your wont make that much movement. Ive tried this with my three cousins and it worked.

OR

Put him in the crib with a bottle and leave him their until he stops crying when he is still crying check on him every five minutes (Just look at him) This method could take a while so dint expect results right away.

-Hope this helps!-

Answer 3

He may have acid reflux which makes laying flat uncomfortable. You could try putting books under the legs on one end of his crib to give him a little angle to sleep on. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Maybe you can get a wedge to put under the crib mattress so he'll be on an incline? I agree to ask the Ped. about acid reflux.

Answer 5

i am assuming you already t alked to the dr and everything checked out fine at his last visit. well my 14 year old still sleeps sitting up so it really is no big deal. it is just a comfort thing to them. i have asked my sone why and he said it feels better to him so i wouldnt worry about it unless the dr finds something wrong. fyi: i sleep with my legs crossed indian style laying over them and i am 35

Answer 6

i experienced it and he drove me crazy .. but give him a warm bottle as your laying down on your bed with your other arm over him so he feels secure and he shou;d fall right aslepp once he gets used to it then put him in his crib.. took a little time but eventually worked.

Answer 7

Lack of sleep in children can cause serious
health problems.If parents follow some simple
techniques for making their children sleep,
it can be avoided. I found useful information
at http://nosleep.in/sleepchildren.html

Answer 8

my son did the same thing and as much as i hated it he would sleep on his stomach no problem i know that your not supossed to put them to sleep on their tummys but see if it works and just check on him all the time thats what i did

Answer 9

He is not in pain. Let him cry. It won't hurt him physically or scar him emotionally. you have to break his old habit and reinforce the new one.