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Sleep

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bed time battles

3 replies

Rubeywednesday · 06/06/2012 21:44

My 16 week dd has suddenly started fighting sleep and every nap time and bed time ends up in a tantrum and screaming fit that lasts up to an hour (can babies this small have a tantrum? it really seems like it: stiff little body, thrashing around, clenched fists etc)

She has gone from being a great sleeper and able to self-soothe, to fighting it all the way. I know its quite common to have sleep regression at this age but I wasn't prepared for the fight we have.

We do a routine for bed time but not for naps. I know she's probably over-tired but i watch her like a hawk and when I notice she is starting to tire I take her through to her room. I rock her until she is virtually asleep in my arms but as soon as I put her down she wakes up and screams, i cuddle here again and then put her down, etc etc - this can go on for hours.

The irony is that when she does go to sleep she is very settled in the night and only usually wakes up once or twice. Anyone got any tips for encouraging sleep? I am worried we have set a pattern where she feels she has to work herself up before she can sleep.

OP posts:
littleweed10 · 06/06/2012 22:34

I used to do a mini routine of the nighttime routine for naps which did give him cues.

She might also be changing the times/amount of naps she needs, which can make every nap go off kilter. As for bedtime, if her daytime naps are out, maybe she is past it by bedtime and overtired?
I found the no cry sleep books by Elizabeth pantley really useful ....

Rubeywednesday · 07/06/2012 04:14

thanks littleweed10 - I am about to resort to books and appreciate your recommendation. We are currently living in the US and they all swear by Ferber

OP posts:
littleweed10 · 07/06/2012 06:59

Elizabeth pantly is very gentle indeed, and she also has ideas on very gently changing patterns. The Ferber method is a bit full on isn't it?

I have a feeling she has a very long list of sleepy signs which are v useful, and a table which indicates roughly how many naps you might expect for the age of child. Clearly your child hasn't read the book(!) so it's just a guide, but quite a good reassurance...

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