Answering for 2 dcs - both started taking proper naps (rather than catnaps) at about 1yr (but both dropped naps at 2yrs), and sleep improved dramatically at about 2.5 for dc1, nearer 3 for dc2 - going from waking many times per night to just once and then not at all.

Dd still doesn't sleep through. She's 2.5.

<shoots self>

DD was a dream sleeper, text book baby I guess - down to one feed a night at about 12 weeks then slept through at 5mths. Even now she only wakes if ill or had a nightmare etc.

DS however has always been wakeful, finally slept through at 11mths (wakes at 6am though - groan). I found I had to be firm with him day and night and he thrived on a routine, unlike DD who would sleep when she needed too. DS couldn't fall asleep even when really tired.

Just want to say how good it's been to read all these posts, they're giving me strength. Am going through a particularly challenging period with DS2 (8 months and not a good sleeper). DS1 (5 yrs now) was a breeze and has always slept well so this time's been tough to adjust to . At least I know I'm not alone and all children are different. Not surprised this thread's been going since Dec 08, such a difficult subject, sleep deprivation is torture. Will try to relax a bit and not feel so negative towards DS2 who is wonderful and beautiful in every other way .

I remember those sleepless night, the waking up feeling hungover from lack of sleep- the crawling into the shower hoping to wake me up, the dead feeling around 3pm when I needed a nap. Two boys, both different, first one slept about 4-5hour stretches and was still getting up around 4am when he was 12months. The second one has been ok, he is 18months but recently (since Aug) up twice a night. It does get better, having at LEAST one good nights sleep invigorates you. Any chance you could pass baby over to your husband for a whole night and sleep in another room? I know this might not be easy if BFeeding but you might manage a way

My DD didn't sleep well when little either. She was a nightmare to put down some nights, and woke several times int he nights.

I don't like the controlled crying thing for babies, as I don't think it is good for them, and wasn't actually designed for under 12 months anyway.

We did try several things and did a lot of cosleeping. We ended up buying a bedside cot to aid that.

DD was fine for naps if in her bouncy chair, pushchair or when out in the car.

Unfortunately for us nothing solved it longer term at that time. We did resprt to some very gentle CC methods when DD was 20 months old and the problem was solved within days. But I think by then she as of an age to understand the prcess more.

HE'S SIX MONTHS AND I'LL TRY THE HOT THING..AM THINKING ABOUT PUTTING HIM IN HIS OWN ROOM BUT NOT SURE IT WILL HEL(HIM OR ME)...HE JUST DOESN'T SEEM TO LIKE TO SLEEP...ALSO HE WON'T TAKE A BOTTLE AS I'M ALSO THINKING ABOUT GIVING UP BF TO SEE IF THAT WORKS BUT I REALLY WANTED TO STILL FEED HIM UNTIL HE'S A YEAR AS A LAST THING AT NIGHT FEED....BUT DO NEED TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE NEXT MONTH

am just wondering if your ds might be too hot when you co-sleep? DD often needs grobag taking off when she comes into our bed. And when she's hot she gets thirsty! Or could he be teething?

maccyw, how old is ds? Sleep pattern sounds a bit like my dd who is 11 months.
stargirl

Dd slept through for the very first time at 8mths and 5 days. For the very second time at 4 years and 2 months.

That was how bad it was....

PS- since that day though, she's only ever woken in the night if she's sick.