2 wk old crying all evening how to get 3yo to bed?

[Jacksmybaby]

DD (2.5 wks) has started having colicky crying/screaming fits lasting from about 6p.m. to 9 p.m. (We have been through this before, with DS, so know the signs! We are using infacol, holding her upright, etc, all the usual things one does with colic / windy babies. She is FF, btw.)

Anyway, that was all very well first time round with DS, but now DS is 3 and DD is doing it - so how on earth do I get DS to bed in the evenings? Has been ok so far as have had DH on paternity leave but that's about to come to an end.

DS is not very independent and needs to be sat with, read stories, and have nice relaxing quiet time, in order to get to sleep, so for the life of me can't think how this is going to work when DD is screaming her head off and needs to be held?!!!!!

Any practical tips? Surely this must be very common, so what did/does everyone else do?!

Hi Jacksmybaby

I have a similar age gap between mine and also worried about this. I too FF so I would really try and get the baby to nap after the late afternoon feed. Say feed around 4.30 and nap an hour later.

I shortened my DS1 bedtime routine too and he didnt notice eg.less time in bath. I'd usually have 45mins if the baby napped so would have ds1 more or less sorted in this time. If he did wake during this time it was generally for the next feed so I would feed him whilst reading to ds1.

I know it sounds simple and straightforward! How is she sleeping in the day? With my two, if they were overtired in the evening they were more difficult to settle and the screaming worse.

DS2 was extremely windy and I used to spend 30 mins winding him after each feed regardless of whether he seemed to need it. SOrry this is probably no help but it does get easier.