How to get baby to nap when you have a toddler

[fizzicles]

I have a 2.5yr old dd and 5 month old dd. Toddler has afternoon nap of approx 2 hours most afternoons.

Baby will tend to have 3 naps during the day, but most of the time I feed her to sleep, and I'd like to move on from this.

When eldest was a baby, we put a bit of effort into teaching dd to fall asleep in her cot - but it took a good chunk of time, patting her, singing to her etc. My questions is: How do you do this when you have a toddler to look after?

Some days there is someone else (DH or DM) around who could do this or look after toddler, and if she's napping it'd be ok, but then when it's just me, I can't figure out how I can help baby sleep, as I can't leave toddler on her own for 15/20mins or however long it would take.

I'm also aware, that I'm by no means the first parent to have two children, so you friendly folk must have some helpful advice! I'm not prepared to just leave baby to cry, but would love to hear other suggestions or what's worked for you.

Thanks!

[nottheOP]

I didn't suffer anymore with the regression, it isn't guaranteed to happen! For some it's just a growth spurt.

[Lilipot15]

Thank you, I will carry on for now!

[Needaninsight]

What this 4 month sleep regression??! Did i miss this!?

No sure. My daughter is 2. 9 and won't tolerate the 15month old in the slightest!

Sounds like you're doing great. From recollection, I think i put my baby back down about 8.30 in the morning for a sleep and I left 23month old watching cbeebies whilst I went upstairs. I just made sure the room was very very safe. Middle nap they both napped so i put her down first and then tended to the baby.

Afternoon nap, was probably another session of cbeebies!

[nottheOP]

You tend to get the regression when the baby doesn't know how to self settle. Their sleep changes and they don't just go from one sleep phase to another. If they can settle themselves, they sometimes do it without any bother at all.

If they have help falling asleep, the parent can find themselves having to resettle every 30/45 minutes by dummy/rocking/feeding to sleep.

It's probably why controlled crying used to be done at 4 months rather than the 6 that's recommended now. It was also easier to moss when babies weren't in the same room like they are now.

[YouBastardSockBalls]

Sit older child in front of TV, save a special programme just for this time so they sit through it!

[PicnicPie]

Another here who used cbeebies/dvd/ i pad for quiet toddler time. Left toddler to watch something whilst I took baby upstairs when they were tired and ready for a nap. Placed in cot and left room. Waited around upstairs for a bit and did a bit of shush pat. But on the whole that did work. If she couldn't settle and if I'd tried for about 10 mins to settle but it wasn't working, then I'd bring her back down. This was to save both of us getting stressed. I'd let her play/cuddle again for 15-20 mins then try again. And it would work. I have an 18mo age gap.

[FizzyBubbly]

nottheOP, you make it sound so simple! I'm in the same situation with my 13wo and am desperately trying to get her to self settle before the 4 month regression for the reasons you've stated. My 2.3yo will only occupy herself or watch Cbeebies for 10-15mins which is never enough time. I'm fed up of DD2 napping in the sling and her sleep is getting worse for it too now that she's more aware of her surroundings.

[nottheOP]

It's not easy. My dniece was born with the ability to self soothe, so unusual!! Lucky sil doesn't appreciate it yet, first kid.

[swanseacat]

Weighing in. Have a 5 year old and a 5 week old. Fortunately DD1 can entertain herself for a bit but I really want to get DS2 to nap at home. Is it too early for this?

[nottheOP]

Do you mean in a cot on her own?