Does anyone else feel irrationally angry when their baby won't sleep in the middle of the night?

My baby is 9 months old. I usually rock him to sleep at 8 PM, and he typically wakes at midnight for a bottle before sleeping until 7:30 AM. Recently, he’s been waking up at 3 or 4:30 AM until 6:30 AM. It makes me want to cry! I feel horrible because I adore him, but rocking him to sleep for two hours at that time is exhausting. Is this just a phase, or should I start sleep training? I don’t want to be frustrated with him.

I hate it when he fights sleep, reminding myself he’s just a baby.

Ellis said:
I hate it when he fights sleep, reminding myself he’s just a baby.

My baby wakes every 45 minutes to 2 hours, and a 3-hour stretch feels like a massive win. I’m tired but finding calmness in it.

@Foster
Yes, solidarity in being extremely tired!

Ellis said:
I hate it when he fights sleep, reminding myself he’s just a baby.

Totally agree with this.

Ellis said:
I hate it when he fights sleep, reminding myself he’s just a baby.

I get it, and the annoyance only makes it harder to settle him.

I relate so much! I started gentle sleep training as I’ve felt frustrated too. You’re not alone; I thought about posting something similar!

Davi said:
I relate so much! I started gentle sleep training as I’ve felt frustrated too. You’re not alone; I thought about posting something similar!

I’ve been waking up dad to help. I hate that feeling.

@Abi
Same here, but sometimes I need to handle it by myself.

Davi said:
I relate so much! I started gentle sleep training as I’ve felt frustrated too. You’re not alone; I thought about posting something similar!

Did he cry when you put him in the bassinet? My baby screams when I try to put him down too soon.

Sleep frustration is a common issue among new parents. It affected my enjoyment of the newborn stage more than the toddler stage.

Nash said:
Sleep frustration is a common issue among new parents. It affected my enjoyment of the newborn stage more than the toddler stage.

Everyone says we’ll miss the newborn stage, but I can’t agree. I love my baby, but I can’t wait for this stage to be over.

@Kai
I feel the same way. I love my 9-month-old but not the sleepless nights.

@Kai
Things I will not miss about this stage: repetitive days and guesswork.

Nash said:
Sleep frustration is a common issue among new parents. It affected my enjoyment of the newborn stage more than the toddler stage.

I understand that nostalgia for the newborn stage, but I mostly remember the exhaustion.

When my baby wakes at that time, she’s often cold. Try adding a layer if your house is cool.

Quince said:
When my baby wakes at that time, she’s often cold. Try adding a layer if your house is cool.

The house gets warmer around that time, though.

It might be that his sleeping schedule needs some adjustments.

I know it’s hard. Try putting him down without rocking him. After a few tries, it worked for my baby.

My baby goes to bed at midnight and wakes at 3. I’ve reached the depression stage of grief.