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Sleep

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Original poster

Shattered - please help

15 replies

laudaud · 14/11/2006 10:18

Since returning from long haul holiday last Wednesday I haven't had a decent nights sleep as DD (16 months old) doesn't seem to want to sleep at night any more. Before going on holiday we would put her down at 7:30 in the evening and get her up 12 hours later - no crying, no complaints - just straight down.

In the last week she has been waking at about 9:00 and screams and crys constantly until about 2:30/3:30.I have taken her to bed with me the last 2 nights which helps her sleep (DH away with work)but this is not a habit I want her getting into. I move her into her cot once I'm sure she is asleep.

There is nothing wrong with her - she is not in pain. She will actually grab my hand and place it on her bum so I feel the screaming is a bit manipulative.

Feeling very tired - work full time but have been very unproductive since I got back!Any suggestions???

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

totaleclipse · 14/11/2006 10:22

bumping for you

Original poster

laudaud · 14/11/2006 11:52

bump - anyone logging on during lunchbreak who can offer advice?

I know I am not alone in my bleary eyed state ...

OP posts:

nicand2 · 14/11/2006 13:25

Not been on any long haul flights with lo but feel for you as I currently am also bleary eyed from a 3 week old.

What about a story cd or tape. I used to find it helpful when my ds1 was clingy at night.

Original poster

laudaud · 14/11/2006 13:57

Thanks - might give that a try tonight.

OP posts:

Original poster

laudaud · 14/11/2006 14:51

any other ideas? Please.

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jambot · 14/11/2006 15:05

Know not everyone will agree with this suggestion, but it might only take one night to get her to sleep through - I have given my DD some teething medicine that contains antihistimine which also acts as a bit of a sedative when she has done this. It has made her sleep through that night and she was back to normal the next day.
Don't know how you feel about this but worth a thought. It's not long term and it's medicine you'd normally give your child anyway.

Original poster

laudaud · 14/11/2006 15:16

have tried the medicine route - Phenergan.

She was fine last Friday so I'm not even sure if it is jet lag any more or just a phase she is going through.
The annoying thing is that the screaming and crying seems to be attention seeking only. She used to only cry when she was hungry, had a dirty nappy, was tired, in pain or frustrated.

OP posts:

jambot · 14/11/2006 15:25

Oh dear, not quite sure what to suggest. What do you do when she starts to cry and what's happening all those hours she's crying?

Original poster

laudaud · 14/11/2006 15:35

Have tried controlled crying. After about half an hour to an hour I will go and comfort her. The other night when I left her she climbed out of her cot so she is now in the travel cot. She will take a break every so often and then start up again.

I have tried ignoring her and I have tried staying with her till she falls asleep but to no avail.

OP posts:

Mellowma · 14/11/2006 15:37

Message withdrawn

Original poster

laudaud · 14/11/2006 15:41

Quite a few of her molars came up whilst we were away so this could be contributing to the problem.

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madmarchhare · 14/11/2006 15:47

Controlled crying, is usually more effective if you go in after 2 mins, 5 mins then 10 and so on.

The first time saying something like 'ssh, its time to sleep now' for example, then 'time to sleep' then eventually you saying nothing with no contact either.

The idea being that she doesnt get anything out of all this (other than the reassurance that you are around), that she sees that no matter how many times you go in and out you are sticking to what you are doing.

If you give in after an hour of screaming and shouting, then she will scream and shout for an hour again iyswim.

Of course the same thing doesnt suit all, but it worked for us after about 3/4 nights.

Original poster

laudaud · 14/11/2006 16:10

It's weird I'm looking for advice most mums look for in the early days - it makes it harder when you have had it easy for 16 months

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popeye123 · 14/11/2006 19:03

could she be missing her Daddy ?
she's just presumably seen loads of him on holiday....and you say she was fine last friday...when did he go away?

Original poster

laudaud · 15/11/2006 09:01

That's a possibility Popeye. We did have a good nights sleep last night. It took about an hour to get her to sleep, but when she woke up it was not for prolonged periods as before.

DH picked her up when he got in as she was crying but I got her back to sleep within a few minutes by being firm yet reassuring. As DH said this morning he observed a whole new approach to parentinglast night.

Thanks for the advice everyone - feeling much more rested today

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