How to Soothe a Needy Sleeper?

Jacob is a needy sleeper. He has been since the day he was born. He desperately desires human contact whilst sleeping. Currently, other than occasional CIO sessions in the Pack 'n Play, I nurse him to sleep then leave him on my bed (with guard rails and a video monitor). When I leave, he will reach out and pat the bed, rolling in all directions, while otherwise seemingly COMPLETELY asleep... and I want to make him feel secure because clearly he isn't. We have really tried to make him more secure and have also done a lot of CIO when he wakes in the early evening, etc.

Any ideas or common experience? I have heard a warm hot water bottle might help (something warm like a body to hold on to). He doesn't take to blankies or other "loveys".

 

no advice, just want to say i sympathize and am looking forward to your answers, as ally needs to be touching a hand or fingers to fall asleep---it is so annoying! i feel so used LOL i need to see if a surgical glove filled with hot water will do the trick LOL

 

My Jacob was the same way. He seems to sleep the best when he is warm, so I put him in fleece sleepers almost year-round, even here!

 

I completely understand how you feel. Maybe try putting a stuffed animal up against him were you were. I used to do that with my ds. Or I would push a blanket up against him. It did get a little better as he got older.

 

Can they sleep in the same bed? I know probably not but didn't know if that would help.

 

QUOTE(twinboys07 @ Apr 11 2008, 12:51 AM) [snapback]716355[/snapback]
We have really tried to make him more secure and have also done a lot of CIO when he wakes in the early evening, etc.


When you say that you try to make him more secure, what does that mean?

 

I second the sleeping wtih his brother. Will that work? Also have your tried swaddling him, I know he is older but it would be worth a try with a big blanket.

My DD rolls all around when sleeping. i don't think that means she is insecure, maybe he is just moving in his sleep.

 

You've probably tried this already, but have you thought of bombarding him with your scent? Whatever he sleeps in/with (pjs, sleep sack, whatever), wear it around under your clothes for a few days... I have no idea if it would work, just tossing it out.