Q&A: Breaking bad sleep habits

by Marie O'Sullivan, RN

My son is seven months old and has just got over his first cold and ear infection. The problem is that now he's not sleeping through the night unless he is in my arms. He realizes when I place him in his crib and wakes up crying. Also he's teething. I have tried to keep the lights low, not to change his diaper till morning, to avoid talking to him, but I think we spoiled him when he was sick and held him to comfort him.

Is there anything I can do to get him to sleep through the night again?

It takes four days to develop a bad habit and twenty days to break it. This situation arises frequently. When your child is sick you want to comfort him and be as close as possible in case he needs you. When he gets better he wants to stay close to you, where he is most comfortable.

The best thing you can do to stop the cycle is create a routine and stick with it. It will take patience and time but your son will eventually learn to sleep on his own, in his own crib again. Try the routine you used before he became sick since he is familiar with it. Try some Tylenol before bed to alleviate any teething pain. Also maybe a warm bottle will help his gums before sleep. The main thing is to be patient and consistent.

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