I need a plan of attack...

[ComeTalkToMe]

After all the fab support and advice I got last week about my now 18 week old DD I have been feeling a lot more positive about the job I'm doing being her mum. However, there's a few things that I need to work on changing and I don't really know where to start. I've read lots of baby books but I want to know what really works so I'm hoping you can help.

I think a lot of my DD's grumps come from the fact that she doesn't sleep a lot. She goes to bed around 6.30/7 but is still waking several times through the night and is up from about 5. She also only takes very short naps through the day. Following advice I was given here last week I'm trying to get her to have a short nap in the morning, a longer one over lunch and a short one in the afternoon. She's only sleeping for 30 mins max and generally only about 15 so isn't refreshed.

I'd like to work on the naps first as I think this would help her during the day and then we can look at night time. I'd really appreciate any thoughts you may have...

Thanks

Not much idea sorry - I just went off my babies cues at the age. Showing signs of tired - put to bed. Tended to follow general pattern but would also still vary a lot due to growing / busy day / development stage.

So as someone who didn't try to set a deliberate pattern I would give rubbish advice, except that I would usually give nap times after bottle/feed as then I knew hunger/thrist would not be reason for waking and lo could sleep as much as wanted.

Thanks GinPalace, I'm trying to watch her cues and I do put her down when she's tired she just wakes after a really short nap and I can see she's still tired but won't sleep anymore. It's frustrating but I suppose I just need to keep trying!

sometimes they sleep better i.e. longer when in motion and/or fresh air.

I am actually slightly nervous about this myself as dc2 on the way and with dc1 I used to take him lots of walks in his pram and I invariably found that he slept better in that or in sling on a walk (I have a dog so had lots of excuses for walks - helped shift the baby weight too - winwin). So I have no idea how I will do that with a toddler in tow!

The other benefit of this is that they get lots of daylight which helps with night time sleeping as it gives strong signals to the body to get the circadian rhythm going (the reason we are humans and not hamsters - we are naturally awake in day and sleep at night - if you had a baby hamster it would have opposite effect )

Could also try putting her to sleep in basket in front of washing machine and doing laundry - the white noise also helps - don't forget that a mere 18 weeks ago she had little stillness and certainly not a moments silence (your heartbeat, tummy gurgles, voice etc etc) so still and quiet is quite an alien thing to them at this age really.

Between those three things (motion, fresh air, noise) you should see some benefit.

With the weather getting better you could put her in the garden in her pram to sleep if you can't go for walk, while you put your feet up and watch the birds. Think rustling trees and little breezes.

Sounds like something your Grandmama would suggest but it honestly makes a difference.

Thanks, I've got a White noise app on my phone but I've been reluctant to use it... I'm not really sure why?! Think I thought she might rely on it but I don't suppose that matters. I think I'll definitely plan in a late afternoon walk for that last nap to get her to bedtime.

Are you excited and scared in equal measures about dc2?

I don't think she will become reliant on it - it manages the transition in development from a womb-tuned brain to a world-tuned brain. Whatever works in a my book and nothing which helps will end up regretted IMO.

I am scared and excited oh yes!! I am not at all sure how I will cope when I already have one who needs me. I see plenty of people do and assume that means it doesn't kill you.

Very excited too though.

My LO used to sleep so soundly to the hairdryer! I used to leave it on low while he was sleeping (and turn it up if he was starting to stir!)

Now I use a free ap called lullaby when he's going to sleep instead, and maybe sing my own words... 'rockabye baby grumpy bum'