Baby Wakes Up at Night - What's a Mom to Do?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Donielle_Schipper]Donielle Schipper
My six month old baby wakes up at night around 10:30, and then decides it's time to stay awake for the rest of the night. So what does a mom of five young children do when this happens for over a week?
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #1
Don't get frustrated! I know that sounds easier said than done, and believe me, I haven't obeyed that rule very well myself. When you have a baby waking up in the night and you are dead exhausted from a long day of homeschooling, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, cooking some more, cleaning some more, etc., etc... (you get the picture), you don't have a lot of patience in reserve, that's for sure! But you have to remember that sleep for a 6 month old is sometimes reversed and it's not going to last forever.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #2
Encourage baby to go back to sleep. When my six month baby wakes up at night, the first thing I do is try to get him back to sleep. Here's the list of things I usually try:
a) nurse him back to sleep
b) pat him gently on the back
c) offer him a binky
d) rock him gently in a dark room
e) softly play some relaxing music
f) lay down with him on my tummy so he can relax to my heartbeat
I go through this list pretty much in the order above, but sometimes it just doesn't work. Which leads to....
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #3
When nothing is working, just go with the flow. Usually after about two hours of trying the above list and my six month old still doesn't want to sleep, I will get up with him and just let him play for a while. This solves more than one problem. It causes me not to feel as frustrated because then I feel like at least I'm getting something done, instead of just laying there waiting for baby to fall back to sleep. It also allows my poor husband to get a little rest, because when baby is not sleeping through the night, you can bet hubby is not sleeping through the night! He may seem to be still asleep, but he's often told me that he doesn't feel rested in the morning when the baby wakes up at night.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #4
Use this quiet time with no other kids around to get something done! As a mother, you know that a little quiet time to really focus on something is a precious commodity. So why not use the time that your baby is awake at night to do just that? In my case, I usually get a little reading done, or I do exactly what I'm doing right now... writing a blog! I'm here for the baby if I start to notice him winding down, but I also am accomplishing something and using my time awake wisely.
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #5
Find someone to help with your other children, should you have any, in the morning. I am blessed to have a husband that works at home and is willing to spend a few hours in the morning getting the rest of my kids fed and ready for the day when the baby is not sleeping all night. But if you don't have that luxury, I recommend finding someone who would be willing to help you out. Your mom, or a close friend can be a lifesaver in situations like this. Just make sure you ask! I know it's hard because you may feel like a burden, but believe me, it is worth it to have those few extra hours of sleep when you've been up all night with the baby!
Baby Wakes Up at Night Rule #6
Enjoy! I know that doesn't sound possible in the middle of the night when you are soooo tired and just want to sleep. But remember that these days are few and fleeting. Before you know it, your little six month old baby will be a teenager, and instead of keeping you awake because he's not sleeping through the night, he'll be keeping you awake because he's out with his friends all night. At least while he's a baby, you get to spend the wee hours of the morning with him instead of worrying about him!
Hope this has been an inspiration to you as you deal with your baby waking up at night! May you be blessed as you care for your little one with love and patience.
I am a stay at home mother of five children. I love homechooling my children and teaching them to live healthy lives. I enjoy staying healthy and fit and love helping others to do the same!
Please visit [http://www.donielleschipper.com]Superfit Homeschool Mom and join me on my fitness journey!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby-Wakes-Up-at-Night---Whats-a-Mom-to-Do?&id=6594753] Baby Wakes Up at Night - What's a Mom to Do?