DD now 7mo has always been a “cat napper” which has never been an issue. With the odd occasion of a long nap now and again. This has never impacted her nighttime sleep.
However now nighttime sleep is progressively getting worse. I fear this lack of sleep is having a huge impact on everything. Her milk intake is dropping, and she will refuse most feeds / take less than 3oz, but then is refusing meals. Both end up in hysterics, no matter what time I try. Awake time is spent mostly with her wingy, rubbing her eyes, crying. She has cut teeth, and has been full of a cold (still snuffling), but this was weeks ago.
This is a breakdown of a typical day:
6.30-7.30 wake
Attempt a feed
8.30 breakfast - refused
9.30 (2-2.5hrs awake) down for nap - 30 minutes
11.00 attempt a feed
11.30 lunch - refused
12.30 nap -30/40 minutes
14.00 - feed 3oz
15.30 nap 30 minutes
17.00 - tea (refused)
18.30-19.00 bedtime (was later but she’s tired)
23.00 awake crying settle with dummy after about 30 minutes / 1hr
1.30am /2am awake (cry for around 2/3 hours unable to settle will offer feed usually refused)
5.00/6.00am awake will settle after 30/45mins and sleep for around 1-2 hours
Approx total sleep a day 9-11hours, so no wonder she is ratty. She will self settle in her cot at bedtime no issues. I would say hunger is keeping her awake, but then tiredness is preventing her eating.
Naps at least one is in her cot, if not 2. Then in the pram / car. No matter if I leave her when she wakes, carry on pushing for hours (like today 2 hours) or driving she will wake. She refuses to sleep on me, and can’t use a carrier for medical reasons.
She is at a Childminder’s twice a week due to me working, and she is the same there. She said my happy baby is no more, and is upset / tired most of the day. So this is having an impact here too. I’m due to increase her days next month, as I need to start working on site / office more. But am reluctant due to how tired she is.
I’m trying co-sleeping, but it’s having no difference. She just still cries, or messes around pulling my hair, or hitting me repeatedly in the face until my nose bleeds.
Any advice is welcome.