I need sleep!

What can I do to get my 9-month-old to sleep through the night?

Wow!  You must be really tired.  This can be so frustrating.  I’ll make some recommendations and we’ll hope you get a good night’s sleep soon.  First, be certain that you have developed a distinctive daytime/nighttime routine.  Daytime should have light, sound, and stimulation with plenty of activity.  In contrast, nighttime should be dark (or at least dim) and quiet with no play time.  This helps your baby learn that night is for sleeping.  At nine months, he probably is still having at least two daytime naps, but you want to be sure they are not taking up the majority of the day.  If they are, then he is learning that daytime is for sleeping.  Establish a bedtime routine that is consistently the same.  This may include cuddling, reading, singing—any activity that gives your baby security and signals that sleep time is coming.  Babies must learn to put themselves to sleep, so don’t worry if there is fussing or even crying when you put him down.  If he continues to cry, go in, give him a pat, and speak calmly and lovingly to him.  “Go to sleep now.  I love you.”  Follow this same pattern when he wakes during the night.  Nighttime care should be very low-key.  Keep the lights dim and your voice quiet.  Let me suggest two websites for you.  They are sleepsense.net and familysleep.com.  They have some very helpful information.  Sleep well!