Asking for your help? Change in routine nightmare!

[ImFreezinMyTitsOff]

OH was made redundant so has had to go into whatever work he could find ASAP. This means that he works from 2pm until 10pm instead of 8am until 4pm. Its completely thrown me and DD (1) out of routine and she's not sleeping or eating properly. Aibu asking how on earth to get her back into a routine and how you'd adjust?

She used to wake up at 7 when OH woke up and was clattering around the house. We would have breakfast and get dressed, play and then go out at 9. Most of the day would be based around plans but lunch was always at 12 and dinner at 5. After dinner we'd put her in her playroom while I did some housework, bathtime was at 6 and book and bed for 7pm. With OH not here she will not go to bed until he gets home and says goodnight. Shes waking up multiple times crying in the night and then gets up at 6. Shes barely eating her food, just wants milk. I don't really know what to do.

Dh works shifts so his times are all over the place and always have been. I would keep all mealtimes and daytime routine the same and she will soon adjust to bedtime. There’s no reason why the morning routine can’t still start at 7am still-your dh isn’t coming home that late.

Carry on with your normal routine, forget the fact she is waking in the night and carry on. Dont alter it to fit your DH work. If she won't sleep until hes home then put her to bed at the normal time and sit with her or leave her, she will sleep eventually. Shes 1, dont get into the habit of keeping her up late, she will adjust.

Are you sure it’s just the change in shifts? Coukd she be teething or does she have a temperature?

I agree with the others, just keep her daytime just as it always was. My DH has always worked odd and unpredictable hours, keeping a good daytime routine going whether DH is there’s or not really helps. They get to see Daddy being home as a bonus. Well until they’re heading towards teen years that is...

If she is nearer 2 than 1, perhaps DH could tell her each time he goes to work, he won't be there at bed time, and kiss her good bye, then good night.

Otherwise, keep to your normal routine as much as you can, and double check something else isn't bothering her too - or is it only the nights he's working?