DS 5 mos. crying out half a sleep several times per night. . .

[jadeborn]

My DS has been waking up several times a night almost screaming.  He seems to be half asleep when he does this because I go in and give him his paci and his lovey blanket and he resettles very quickly.  I'm trying to figure out WHY he is doing this.  Anyone have any ideas?  I would almost think this was a mantra, but I thought I knew what his mantra sounded like. . .Can the sound change?

[momofclaire]

Could he be screaming because he can't find the paci? 

[jadeborn]

Nope. He's not paic dependent, and it's not that kind of scream. . .Thanks for the thought, though.

[momofclaire]

If you didn't go in what do you think would happen?  Have you tried waiting and listening?  There have been times that Claire would yell and moan and wimper a bit at night and I would stand outside her door while she did this for 15 min and then she would drift off to sleep.  It could be that he is working on self soothing.
I think the sound of a the cry can change a bit because as they get older all the cries get a bit louder.  If he is half asleep and there are no tears I would say it is the mantra cry.
Hope this helps
Myia

[jadeborn]

Thanks for your input.  I do think it was a mantra cry because he woke at exactly the same times last night, but there was no crying at all.  I just heard him moving around in his crib and making awake noises, but he put himself back to sleep each time without calling for me.  I appreciate your help!  Hopefully he continues to self-soothe like this!