Trying a new tactic!

[Mackmummy]

Well for the last week or two bedtimes have been horrendous! I've tried taking oscar at different times but usually no later than 8pm as he was getting tired. Well what follows as soon as we get upstairs is three hours of meltdowns, screaming, punching and an altogether horrible time! So tonight I haven't rushed him at all, followed no refuting and let him just sit with me all night watching telly. He had a little meltdown at the usual time of around 9/9.30 but I think this is when his teeth start hurting, gave him calpol and anbesol and this calmed him after a while. Chatted with Aunty and nain on FaceTime and just cuddled on the couch and lay on his toddlepod watching tv. At half ten I thought I'd risk it and take him up as his eyes were getting heavy....half way through writing that he has woken twice, epic fail he's back downstairs with me, no sleep for me tonight I think

 

[Lyllian]

I'll join you, first jags today,one very grumpy unhappy baby. What will we all watch on the telly? Xx

 

[Mackmummy]

Well I've just moved him to his bed, it's 1am. Still waiting for him to realise and wake up! It's weird but the two lots of jabs oscar has had gave him the best nights sleep for two nights!

 

[Lyllian]

She's opposite, good wee sleeper but I'm paying for it tonight. Is only right and fair. Hats off to you, I forgot how hard the not sleeping was from the early weeks. Good luck, holding my breath for you... Xx

 

[Pumpkin9]

Make that three of us. Could do with a tranquilizer dart tonight.

He woke up at midnight and has been having a screaming fit as soon as you put him in his cot ever since. Calpol, Ashton and parsons, milk ... Nothing has worked. Did have to laugh to myself though as he's been deliberately dropping anything he can out of his cot to get my attention.

He's now in bed with us and is wide awake, kicking me

 

[Mackmummy]

Oscar lasted until 3.45 I've given him some milk and he was asleep on me but once in the cot has done nothing but fidget, hoping he settles himself!

 

[T84]

Aw no! Hope you got some sleep!

 

[Lyllian]

Anyoneget any sleep? I got two hours then she woke screaming. Isn't like her at all, she usually sleeps at least six hours at night and wakes up and gurgles and smiles, never really cries. So unlike her, I've clearly been spoiled I don't recognise this baby at all!

 

[Mackmummy]

Awful night. I think I had three hours broken sleep.

 

[Pumpkin9]

Finally went to sleep at 3.30 and now we're awake

 

[Mummybexee]

Have you tried different sleeping positions?

 

[Pippacarney]

Do you think maybe he needs an earlier bedtime? My lo went to bed at 9pm till about 10 weeks old, but she was getting overtired and cranky, her bedtime since then has been 6.50ishpm and she slept throught till 6/7/8 ever since. Could be worth a try? It's very likely he's exhausted by then. It also takes a few days for a different sleep routine to establish.

 

[flisstebbs]

You poor thing. Its so horrible having disaster nights. Hope you get a better one tonight.

 

[Pippacarney]

Have you tried different sleeping positions?

This too, my lo has been a tummy sleeper since she could wiggle about, always slept longer and better then.

 

[juliekim0908]

Teething was nightmare around your Oscars age! this is when I gave him a dummy which seemed to help settle him better. But thinking back I kicked my hubby into the spare room for a few nights just to get some sleep as he slept by me, and I could replace dummy quickly.

otherwise he'd only sleep wrapped up in a blanket in my arms. Took about 3-4 weeks then it passed. phew!

hope things get better soon xx

 

[Mackmummy]

Tried it all, he used to like bring on his back, then his suddenly now his tummy but I still try the others when he don't settle. His bedtime routine used to start at six had dudnt like that, we tried 7 8 and 9 and still nothing works. Today's tactic is less stimulation, no tv on, fewer toys and no playing after 4. Bath at six then quiet time in bedroom reading. Fingers crossed!

 

[Mackmummy]

And so far today, he has had one ten minute nap and one six minute nap, an all time record. At the moment he's on his pod with his eyes closed moaning very loudly, half crying and hitting himself occasionally as he fights his sleep. I'm trying to ignore him so he gets himself to sleep but so far it's been half an hour.

 

[Applecrumble]

Nightmare Mackmummy...these babies are clever, just when you think you have a breakthrough...they change tack...xxxxhope you get some rest today as well.

 

[Mackmummy]

Got no rest today and he's still in my room crying.

 

[Smileygirl]

Tried it all, he used to like bring on his back, then his suddenly now his tummy but I still try the others when he don't settle. His bedtime routine used to start at six had dudnt like that, we tried 7 8 and 9 and still nothing works. Today's tactic is less stimulation, no tv on, fewer toys and no playing after 4. Bath at six then quiet time in bedroom reading. Fingers crossed!

I know the aim is to be amenable to your baby's needs but think it would help if you pick a time/tactic and stick to it. By trying all different bed times and tactics, it will just confuse him and he will be unsettled. By doing the same thing every day, your baby will settle into a routine and be more settled.