confused and wanting to quit...HELP!

[sydney0831]

I am so confused!  My daughter thrived off her "Babywise" schedule, but my son would not follow the schedule (cried through naps for two weeks).  I heard about EASY from a friend and decided to try, but am getting burnt out.  PLEASE HELP!  He is 8 weeks old today, we have been doing the program for a week (I know that does not sound like long, but I did Babywise for the two weeks prior, which is similar, but less flexible, more clock watching).  His sleepy times are around the same time of day, but he will fight naps in his crib even though he sleeps pretty well in his crib at night (bedtime is around 8:00 PM, then he does not wake until 2-3:00 AM).  Why does he act so tired, but deny his crib during the day?  If I let him, he would nap in his papsan (a baby seat) or on the couch, but I don't want to start a bad habit.  I am open to any suggestions and support, please help!  I know that routine is important, but am starting to think I should just create my own routine.  He is using a pacifier and is a mix of touchy and grumpy baby. 

[Evgenia]

Hey Sydney! Welcome! So sorry u r having uch a bad time! {Big Hugs}
Could u post ur routine in the following format:
E what time
A how long
S what time and how long
It would be easier for everyone to get a picture of whats going on and give u appropriate advice
It sound like u lo could be in an overtiered (OT) cycle, how long are his Activity (A) times?
U r right about not wanting to start bad habbits in regards to where ur lo sleeps, I would keep on trying putting him down in her crib.
In regards to starting ur own routine, it could be a good idea and work wonderfull for u and ur lo, however when it comes to adjusting it with age it will be quite hard for u to find any guidance and advice. So I would suggest, since u've tried 1 routine already and now trying this one just stik with it for a while and see how it goes.
And keep in mind 8 weeks is still very young and many of girls here, including me, didn't start any kind of routine till much older age. U r off to a great start by even thinking of it and realising that it can benefit u and ur lo

[sydney0831]

Below is my son's routine, keep in mind, he does not sleep during these naps.  He shows me that he is tired by yawning and eventually getting droopy eyes.  I take him to the crib and from that point on, I am constantly in and out of the room soothing him (insert paci in mouth, rub belly untiil quiet).  Within 5-15  minutes, he is crying again, with the exception of about 1 nap per day.  If I lay him down after seeing the first yawn, it is the same response, so I have waited until he showed his tiredness in his eyes, which makes no difference either. 

E 7:30
A 7:30 - 8:30ish
S 8:30/8:45 - maybe 9:30 (remember, not sleeping, just crying)

E 10:00
A 10 - 11:00
S 11:00 - 12:00

E 1:00
A 1:00 - 2:00
S 2-3:00

It continues like this through the evening.  I cluster feed at 6, 8, and 10.  He usually wakes up between 2 and 3AM for a feed. 

Thanks!

[deckchariot]

are you using any kind of a wind down or pat/shh?  Both of those are fabulous tools for helping your bub learn how to fall asleep independently.  He's really early to have the whole sleeping thing figured out - nighttime sleep often (usually) comes more easily to bubs than daytime sleep, as their brains sort out the two differently.

Also, it's pretty normal for that first  A time of the day to be shorter than all the others, so you might want to start that first nap a wee bit earlier.  I found with my dd, that if I waited til the first yawn, I was too late.  I needed to be nearing the end of the wind down by then. 

Also, if his nap is short, the next A time needs to be shortened, as he'll not be well rested from a short (or non-existent) nap.

Here's a couple links that may be helpful:
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=128419.0
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=64277.0
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=85500.0

hth
michelle

[Evgenia]

I agree with the pp, just wanted to add that maybe ur lo is not too comfy in his crib? My dd slept in hers fine at night but hated it during the day, putting 2 blankets on top of the matress worked quite well for her.
By the looks of it u seem to have a pretty good routine in place so the issues with the naps are not a sign of the routine not working as u say, I personnaly think it has to do with the fact ur lo hasn't learned how to fall asleep independently. U just need a bit of time to teach him how to do it.
While teaching ur lo how to fall asleep independently it is a good idea to stay in the room with him untill he falls asleep and even staying for another few mins in case he starts waking up in 15 mins so u can soothe him before he's fully awake.

[sydney0831]

I will try some of your tips and see how they work.  It makes sense that if he did not nap well, to have his next awake time shortened.  I have to get my daughters old program out of my head, in which you "forced" the baby to stay awake for 1.5 hours after eating.  That obviously does not work for my lo!

[Evgenia]

Keep in mind that with Tracys routine u just have to follow the pattern of Eat, Activity and Sleep and allow for time variations between different days! Let us know how u get on!