What could be wrong? Sleep Issue from what?

[Mumma T]

My DS is 6 1/2 months old. Until 2 weeks ago he was a great sleeper, consistently slept 7pm til between 6 and 7am. 2 weeks ago he started daycare 4 days a week when I went back to work. Ever since he has been waking at approx 3am and no matter what I do he will not go back to sleep unless I am holding him. While as mum I normally wouldn't mind the odd 3am wake up but I am totally shattered after 14 continuous days of it.

There are a number of possibilities that could be causing this that I can think of but I honestly have no idea.

Simply unsettledness from starting daycare
He has been snotty as he got his first cold on day 1 of daycare
separation anxiety
Allergy /intolerance (he isn't eating anything unusual but is having milk with weetbix for breaky)
Teething
growth spurt (he seems to have stopped a few days ago with needing extra formula)
wonderweek/ fortnight.

The poor kid seems as overtired as I am, I would co-sleep but it really isn't an option as my husband is 6 foot 4 and very solid and is freaked out that he will accidently hurt DS. He seems perfectly fine besides the snot and I had thought it was his teeth as bum changed fed and cuddled he will drift off but as soon as he is down in the cot I crawl back into bed and pull the doona on he wakes again and is crying. Seriously started to think he has a Mummy sleep sensor LOL.

I am really after any suggestions of what might be causing him to wake and need attention or if anyone has experienced this before and is completely normal for his age/development?? Hit me with your thoughts

TIA

[Artechim]

Given that it started at the exact time that he started daycare I would think the main contributor would be a form of separation anxiety. I am the last person to ask when it comes to getting kids to sleep, but fingers crossed it passes quickly for you xx

[chody47]

I'm not sure if he has an approximate 'routine' when at home or not, but is it a possibility that his routine has altered at childcare (eg more sleep or sleep later in the day) and this is making him less tired at night?

[Mumma T]

Chody he is getting 40 min less sleep during the day and is wrecked when he gets home

Artechim I wondered at separation anxiety too.

DH is going to get up to him tonight to give me a break as its really getting hard to focus at work, so I am hoping that DS will settle back down quicker.

[onthefly]

Sounds like he's sick, poor thing!
There are lots of things going on, from the sound of things.
That's great your DH is helping out. With luck it's just one of those things and will pass with time, sometimes it's just a matter of riding it out. Is it an option for your DH to sleep elsewhere for a bit so you can bed-share with your DS if it's like this for a little while? It's always easier if you don't have to get out of bed.
Hope you get a good rest tonight!

[helle]

You tell me why my baby stopped sleeping through at six months, then we will both know

[little_O]

Dd is doing the same thing...but more keeps crying when I try an put her to sleep. Once asleep she is ok.

I wanted to do a similar post...

[little_O]

According to the wonder weeks app it says its not a wonder week, but around this time they become away of distances from m and become more clingy.

I mean its nice to feel loved...BUT day time only lol

[KitFaerie]

It could easily be all of the above My DS started waking up every hour at 24 weeks old after doing 10 hour stints at night. I figured it had something to do with the realisation that I *could* leave, so he wanted to make sure that I didn't. Co-sleeping can help when you're starting to feel really wrecked, if your DS is missing you and needs more comfort then he might go back to sleeping longer once that need is fulfilled? I always slept in-between DS and DH, so DH could roll around as much as he liked, and DS could roll around as much as he liked too!

Good luck, it's tough when they change so quickly, especially when you are going through a big change too!

[MantaRay]

I think this is a common age for babies to start waking more often. They are getting ready for a lot of exciting milestones at this age and that seems to lead to more night wakings. Also many mums that their babies wake more often at night when they go back to work. It seems to be that some babies try to make up time with their mums at night. It's kind of cute unless you're the poor tired mum who needs sleep more than ever having just started back at work. From experience as a working mum who ended up with a baby who's sleeping went totally out the window, it does eventually pass. What I can't tell you as I was living in a sleep deprived blur, is how we coped in the meantime. My best advice is to put out the call for help, accept all offers, and be kind to yourself, rest when you can.

[k4t]

Likely to be any and all of the above issues you've identified. As for what you can do to help other than co-sleeping/bed sharing, maybe try putting your tshirt or pillowcase in the cot with him? No other great ideas sorry.

[Mumma T]

Thanks everyone, I am pretty sure DH thought last night was going to be a ride in the park and now is wondering how I have been managing to function let alone work, prepare for christmas, and study for uni.

I guess really all I can do is ride it out for now.

I asked daycare to take him back to basic foods that he has been having before he was at daycare so I can rule food out.

Good idea K4T on the tshirt

DH has some time off over christmas so I might get him to pick DS up from Daycare early quite frequently so he is getting a bit more mummy and daddy time to help with any separation anxiety.

Now to keep telling myself the Mummy Mantra - This too shall pass

[little_O]

How is it going BubbaT?

Has he settled more?