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Original poster

Baby/Toddler is always tired....

24 replies

salt · 30/10/2003 11:56

I didn't know whether to post this or not but I could do with some advice...

My 16month old dd has always been a good sleeper, has slept from 7-til-7 since she was 3 weeks and until now this has been great, fantastic even - please understand I'm not complaining and I know that few people are as lucky as I when it comes to sleeping babys.

The problem is I have to wake her in the mornings (8am is the latest I can leave her during the week) and she obviously doesn't want to get up. She used to have a nap during the day but since she learnt to walk she plays merry hell if you try and put her down for a sleep in the day.

She's always rubbing her eyes and looks tired, by the end of the day she's practically falling asleep everywhere. I feel sorry for her because she looks exhausted and by 5pm is getting quite grumpy, wobbly on her legs and easily frustrated.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can either get her to nap mid afternoon or boost her energy levels so she lasts the day? I'm assuming there's nothing medically wrong with her and it's just down to not enough sleep.

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beetroot · 30/10/2003 11:59

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CONNEELY · 30/10/2003 12:05

I cant really offer any useful advice but my dd is nearly11 months and has been asleap since 8.45....She only got up at 7.30 and had slept throu since 7 last night,sometimes she will have a sleap in the morn and sometimes in the afternoon.are you at home all day or do you go out to work as well/

Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 12:05

beetroot, what is cc?

I'm not at home with her during the day as I work but she's with my mum who she know very well, I've also given in and now put her 'blanky' in her bag as it helps her sleep. She is only allowed it at sleep times but even this doesn't work anymore.

Do you think I could be feeding her the wrong foods? I feel so bad that I can't get her to bed any early. I also feel bed when I have to wake her up and this morning after I pulled her fingers from the bars, she was even waving at her cot when I took her away.

Yes she sleeps in the car but that is the ONLY place she'll sleep during the day now... and she fights it too.

OP posts:
FineVintage · 30/10/2003 12:07

Controlled crying.

Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 12:07

CONNEELY - at 11 months her sleep patterns matched your little ones.

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CONNEELY · 30/10/2003 12:08

What about if your mum takes her for a walk in the buggy?
I know if all else fails (imo) then the cold wind usually sends her to sleep..

Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 12:09

COntrolled crying might work if I could just keep her still long enough but she tends to just get up and start playing again.

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Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 12:10

She used to sleep in the buggy but not anymore, she's too busy pointing at everything and if there's nothing to point at she just watches the wheels go round!!

maybe it's just an in-between age?!?

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CONNEELY · 30/10/2003 12:12

try putting all her toys out of sight put some music on and dance,every afternoon i do this and then give her teddy,and put her down in her cot,does she only have blanket when she is in her cot?

iota · 30/10/2003 12:12

ds2 went through a stage of fighting against his afternoon nap when he was about a year old.

Sometimes we had to lie down with him in a darkened room and hold him down until he fell asleep. He would cry and struggle until he finally gave in and suddenly his eyes would close and he'd be gone. It sounds horrible, but I think it was the only way to get him to settle for a much needed sleep. Of course if we were in the car he'd just nod off with no trouble.

kayleigh · 30/10/2003 12:14

I have had this with ds2 who is 2.4. He desperately still needs a nap in the day or by 5 he is a mess. But he doesn't want to stay in his bed, so we have to resort to the car or a buggy walk and it is not always convenient.

No suggestions - just sympathy !

Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 12:16

My mum has a travel cot in an upstairs room that is quite dark (dd sleeps over sometimes so knows the room well) but she climbs out and will entertain herself by opening cupboard doors, drawers etc...

will ask mother to try the dancing bit. Will be amusing as she is a cross between Dorien Green and Hyacinth(sp?) Bucket

...worth it just for the laugh I reckon!

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CONNEELY · 30/10/2003 12:19

lol:0

CONNEELY · 30/10/2003 12:23

My dd used to be a nightmare with her dummy but now we leave it in her cot so if she is ratty then i put her to bed with teddy and dummy...
i thinl she understands that if she wants her dummy then she can go for a sleep in her cot,but i know she doesnt need it to sleep as dont take it anywhere else with me and she does sleap when out..but what can i do in spare time..i feel like waking her up just to get a huge smile but wont...

Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 12:25

It's a hard life conneely ironing, daytime tv...

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Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 12:25

mumsnet!

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CONNEELY · 30/10/2003 12:29

I know,I know..How long has ur dd been walking?

beetroot · 30/10/2003 12:34

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adell · 30/10/2003 12:48

DD (now 4) was similar. I'm afraid I don't have any great advice. After she was 18 months she would only sleep during the day if we happened to be out in the car. I used to put her to bed at 6pm or sometimes 5.30pm if she was totally shattered, and she still slept until round about 8am. As she got older she got more energy & it stopped being a problem.

Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 13:03

conneelly - she's only been walking a couple of months (tops) and she never crawled so this is the first mobility she's had. I used to love wondering what to do with my time when she slept

Beetroot, yes she sleeps in the car. My mum collects her from day nursery at 1pm and she normally nods off in the car for a couple of minutes but as soon as they stop she awake again.

Might try the ealry night/late morning at the weekend. What's the betting she wants to get up at 5am (or something

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aloha · 30/10/2003 13:54

Salt, ooh, I think I might be able to help! I've found that if my ds has even five minutes sleep in the car he will not have his nap - and he naps for England. It just takes the 'edge' off so he can't drift away properly. I recommend your mum pull out all the stops so your dd doesn't sleep in the car - loud music, singing and yelling 'wake up' are my tactics. If she is kept awake then given her dummy or blanky or whatever (no harm whatsoever in a blanky IMO) and cuddle her and go through a sleep ritual it might help. Otherwise put her to bed earlier. It sounds as if the worst that could happen is that she will wake up naturally at around 7am instead of sleeping on past eight. Good luck!

Bozza · 30/10/2003 14:09

Agree with Aloha. Even a few minutes sleep and DS won't nap. I used all Aloha's tactics as well as playing with the electric windows. Really think she still needs a nap.

beetroot · 30/10/2003 14:12

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Original poster
salt · 30/10/2003 14:37

Aloha, that sounds like a great idea - I'd never thought of that.

I put her to bed as early as I can but I don't get home until gone 6pm (during the week) then it's a quick bath, bottle, teethy-pegs and bed. Also I treasure the hour that I see her for and so am (selfishly I know) reluctant to put her to bed before 7 on a weekday (even if I could somehow cut down the time).

Will definitely suggest the car idea to mum. Sound like a 'go-er' thanks!!

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