OK, when am I going to get some sleep then?!

[micegg]

I am sure this topic has come up alot but I just need any advice. I should know better as I already have a DC but have forgotten. DS is 3 months and is still feeding every 4 hours. Goes to bed at 7, wakes about 12 (only time he goes longer then 4 hours) and then wakes again at 4AM. I know it could be worse but I am so tired especially as my eldest is on the go from 6AM. I have tried encouraging him to eat more at 12 in the hope that he won't wake at 4 and also tried feeding him before I go to bed (about 10.30) in the hope he wont wake at 12 but he still does it every time. Any tips? When can I expect him to stop this malarkey. Please do not tell me about your 6 week old babies that sleep through I will be most

Thanks

[KnickersOnMaHead]

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[memoo]

I know this isn't very helpful but i think you kind of just have to accept that its just the way it is. Not getting enough sleep just comes with the teritory.

[littleboyblue]

Hi. I don't think feding him more at a certain time will help as it has to do with how long it takes their body to breakdown the food IYSWIM.
At 3 months, I wouldn't do anything as still quite young, I'd stick to what he wants at the moment.
I'm gonna get pounced on for saying this, but at about 4.5 months, I had enough of getting up and thought ds was waking out of habit more than hunger, so I watered the formula down.
It is perfectly safe to put in more water, just not too much powder. I checked. So on first night I used 7oz of water, 7 of powder. Day 2, 7oz of water, 6 of powder. Day 3 7oz water 5 of powder, and that was that. Slept thru and was fine.

[juuule]

Why don't you go to bed before 10:30 for a few nights to catch up with your sleep? What time does your eldest go to bed? Could you go to bed shortly after that? As Starlight says you're baby is sleeping a straight 8hrs with only one wakening which is brilliant. Take that opportunity to catch up your sleep if you need it.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

When DS was that age he had similar waking/feeding pattern at night and I just went to bed early most nights (usually before 9pm). Thing is, that was actually quite good and from then on the whole sleep thing went belly up and is only just sorting itself out now - DS is nearly 2 yrs old.

I've come to the conclusion that you just have to grab sleep when you can.

[KnickersOnMaHead]

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[micegg]

He doesn't sleep for 8 hours!

Goes to bed at 7
Wakes at 12
Wakes at 4 then pretty much awake until DD wakes at 6.

Can't go to bed at 7 as DD isn't asleep then.

I wil try to go to bed earlier but not always easy as its my only time to catch up on house stuff and see DH etc.

I just wanted to know if there was anything I could do to encourage him to sleep through.

Littleboyblue - your tip about diluting the feeds is good. I may try that if things are still the same in about a months time.

Thanks

[juuule]

If he goes to sleep at 7pm then you go to bed at 7pm. Leave your dh to put your toddler to bed. That way you get at least 5hrs before midnight. Anything else is a bonus. You'll be much more ready for the day when your toddler wakes at 6am.

You don't have to do it every night but a few times a week will make a huge difference. You need to catch up on your sleep when you can.

House stuff - do whenever able. It's not the end of the world if some stuff doesn't get done.

[LoveAndSqualor]

Hey - just wanted to offer a bit of sympathy to the mix. I'm in the same position (DS of three months too, who still won't go longer than four hours max without a feed, and is using the light mornings as an excuse to be up and at 'em from 4.30, most days). I do try to sleep as and when he does, but as you say, it's easier said than done - and I think it's the brokenness of the sleep that really messes with you. So - no tips, but you're not alone. Good luck!

[micegg]

Thanks! You share my misery. Am so glad I am not alone. DD is only 2.9 but she didnt sleep through until she was at least 6 months and then very unsettled until recently (about when DS was born). She now sleeps very well (most nights) so I know it will end. I just keep hoping for some magic technique which may speed the whole thing up! I have tried dream feeds but that just seemed to disturb him and make him wake more frequently and I have tried getting him to take bigger feeds when he wakes at 12 but if he doesn't want it then that's it really. As many have said I think its just a case of sitting it out. Micegg bags head on desk......

However. I shall be going to bed at 9 tonight as that is a very good suggestions. The ironing will have to wait.

[juuule]

Good for you

[Twelvelegs]

I'm sorry to say my first two were sleeping through at 6 weeks, bf and content. I sat back and admored my parenting, what was it that I did so right? Why wasn't it the same for everyine else? How did I become such a fantastic mother? Envy of all?

Then along came DC3, who did not allow me to sleep for more than 10 minutes for the fist 8 days (I mean at all, I had severe head pains through exhaustion) and then never went more than 3 hours EVER until she was more than 8 months!! I co slept in the end as I would not have had sleep. Awake she was 70% wailing and crying.
Is your baby sick a lot? Only someone said recently that their baby had acid reflux that was like heartburn and gave them gaviscon or something, Doctor's orders Please check this as I am pg and my dreams are very vivid so could have made this up . For a heavier feed you could try expressing off the foremilk or ff.

[Twelvelegs]

admired

[Jux]

When are you going to get some sleep? NEVER EVER AGAIN (runs off cackling maniacally)

[Jux]

Oh, by the way, my uncle suggested putting his kids in a drawer until they were 21....

What do you mean, not helpful?

[micegg]

Jux

I am off to bed now..................

[ConnorTraceptive]

My DS is 4 months and has almost the exact same sleeping pattern. I thinks it's the bit where they stay awake from 4am onwards that's the killer and then they fall back to sleep just as your toddler wakes up - grrr.

The only way I've found to get through it is for ds2 to come into bed with me from 4am onwards as he is more likely to drop back off or at least snooze abit.

If it's any consolation this last week or so he has been going back down in his got after his 4am feed and sleeping until about 6am.

DS1 slept through from 6 weeks and silly old sausage that I am assumed ds2 would be the same, but alas he is his own man and I just have to tow the line.

Tis farkin tiring though isn't it?