I'm looking after my friends baby, She's won't drink her milk, what should I do ???

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I'm looking after my friends 8 month old baby over night. I've only ever had her on my own during the day once before.

She won't drink her bottle of milk, she takes tiny sips then refuses, or just refuses. She's been crying and wouldn't settle. I've been doing all the things her mum told me, I was lying next to her on the bed, rubbing her back etc. It came to a point, I had to go to the loo so I had to just put her in the cot and leave her for a moment. I notced that she was calming down without me there, so I left her a bit longer and she's now sound asleep.

Her mum says she sleeps through the night, but because she hasn't had her milk she might wake up now.
What should I do if she wakes up and still won't drink her milk and keeps crying?

I gave her two of her biscuits and some watered down orange juce, she drank far more of that than she would the milk. I'm not sure if that was the right thing to do, but at least she won't be hungry or thirsty for a while.

I don't think I'll offer to have her over night again if she dosn't sleep through all night.

I return, she's going to take my 5.6 year old out for some day trips, I think she might have the better end of the deal.

I suppose most 8 month old babies won't be guaranteed to sleep through!

I think you are very brave, anyway. I am terrified of other people's babies.

Sounds like you did the right thing though.
Good luck!

If she does wake again, check she is comfy (nappy etc) and hold her on your shoulder so any wind gets out by itself. Some back rubbing and firm patting will help too. I used to walk around with ds for ages just kind of rocking, dancing with him on my shoulder.

she's asleep. don't worry. she may be full of biscuit and juice so doesn't have room for milk. if she wakes offer the milk. rock her a bit, pop her back in her cot. she put herself to sleep so she'll probably do it again.

Thank you! It is daunting having someone else's baby. It seems so long ago Lucy was that age and even then, she was so chilled out and sedate. I've never had to change a nappy while the baby is trying to escape before.

Don't think too far ahead.

She's asleep now so try and relax.

If she wakes up in the night, just try everything (nappy/milk/too hot/cold/cuddle) until she goes back down.

You only have her for one night so if worst case scenario she is up all night, at least you can give her back tomorrow!

True, I have just worked 3 night shifts in a row though so I hope not. [aaaagh!]

I think I should've said no, but I was put on the spot a bit.

Oh no, not what you need then is it!

Hopefully she will be fine.

At least you can feel good that you have done a favour for someone .

That's true. My daughter asked why she's crying so much and I told her that that's how babies let you know what they want. My daughter then said "well, can you give her what she wants then?" I wish it were that easy.
She'll be really annoyed if she's woken in the night. She isn't the most tollerent of children.

Think of when your dd will have a sleepover in return

Oh no!!!

How did it go?

When does she get your dd for the night and you get to go out?!

Oh I see what you mean. I thought you ment my daughter will have her friends around for a sleep over to pay me back for the baby staying.

She hasn't mentioned having her over night, only for day trips. Maybe I could put in a subtle hint.

She did sleep well thankfully, and had a whole bottle when she woke up at 6:30am. Not too bad. She was very clingy though and cried every time she had to be put down.