How do I help my DS sleep without fighting it. Sorry it's long

[doughnutty]

I'm getting to the end of my rope. My 5 month old DS will not go to sleep at any time without a fight.

When he was newborn he fed to sleep on the breast. Over time we moved to ff and as he slept less he changed from feeding to sleep to waking up hungry. This was quite a gradual process but now we're at the stage where he doesn't want to sleep.

I watch for his cues and know roughly when he's ready for a nap/bed but he screams as soon as I start to try to get him to sleep. Even with me walking and rocking him he still screams and often only falls asleep through exhaustion and I know how he feels. The only reason why I gave up the vague version of PUPD was because it took 3 times longer. I've also all but given up trying to put him down when he does eventually go over as he wakes as soon as I lean over the cot and I'd rather he slept than I got the washing done! But I'm losing the will to live

The only thing I can suggest is trying to put him down earlier. So if you notice he's getting tired after being awake for 2 hours, then put him down after 1 hr and 45 minutes.

Take a look at this, quite useful if a bit long:-

www.sleepytot.com/sleepytot_community/articles/nap_time__the_key_to_success.phtml

Can you swap one of his tea time cubes for something with more calories or add a bit of milk? Might be more filling?

My DS is rubbish at day naps - even worse when he's teething! I use a grobag for the day too - putting him in the bag signals nap time.

I'd also second putting him down earlier for day naps - or spend a couple of days noting when he gets tired and aiming for 10 mins before that for naps?

Will maybe try the grobag during the day when we're at home.

I guess I just want him to want to sleep and maybe he's not going to.

I think it's normal for them to fight sleep as the world is so exciting and new. I know that it does improve as they get older - my DS improved very quickly at 6 months. I kept giving him the chance to try self soothing at bedtime as he's too heavy to rock.

I know how hard it is but hopefully it'll pass quickly. Keep trying but if it's not working, give yourself a break.