#asktheexpert
Hi I am Vinda, my baby is 9 months old and he keeps waking up in the night and has gotten used to my breast as pacifier to soothe and get back to sleep.. he gets up more than 7-8 times at night. Sometimes it will be for feed and many times it will be only bridging to go back to sleep and only needs me. How to deal with this pls

Question

#asktheexpert 
Hi I am Vinda, my baby is 9 months old and he keeps waking up in the night and has gotten used to my breast as pacifier to soothe and get back to sleep.. he gets up more than 7-8 times at night. Sometimes it will be for feed and many times it will be only bridging to go back to sleep and only needs me. How to deal with this pls

Accepted Answer

It's common for babies to wake up multiple times during the night, especially at 9 months old. Here are some strategies you can try to help your baby learn to soothe themselves back to sleep:

1. Establish a bedtime routine: Consistency is key. A calming bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. This could include activities like a warm bath, reading a book, or gentle rocking.

2. Encourage self-soothing: Gradually encourage your baby to learn to self-soothe by putting them down to sleep when they're drowsy but still awake. This can help them learn to fall asleep independently and reduce nighttime waking.

3. Offer comfort without breastfeeding: When your baby wakes up at night, try to soothe them back to sleep without breastfeeding if you think they're waking out of habit rather than hunger. Comfort them with gentle touch, soothing words, or a favorite blanket or toy.

4. Create a conducive sleep environment: Make sure your baby's sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to sleep. This includes ensuring the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

5. Be consistent: Consistency is important in helping your baby learn healthy sleep habits. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and respond to nighttime waking in a consistent manner.

6. Consider sleep training methods: If your baby continues to have difficulty sleeping despite trying these strategies, you may want to consider gentle sleep training methods, such as the Ferber method or the gradual extinction method. Be sure to discuss any sleep training methods with your pediatrician to ensure they are appropriate for your baby's age and development.

Remember, every baby is different, so it may take some time to find the right approach that works for your family. Be patient and consistent, and seek support from your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby's sleep patterns.