Nap Boot Camp

[Lu_C]

OK, this sounds horrendous but here goes.

DD is 6 weeks old and sleeps well at night (got a routine set for evenings and she sleeps c.7/8 to 7 only waking twice). Day naps are pretty good if I can spend 40 mins settling her or feed her/walk her but with 18-month old DS slamming doors and turning the light on it's not really possible to establish a solid naptime routine.

My parents arrive today for 3 weeks and I want to use this time to get her settled and OK at self soothing whilst they look after DS.

It's a bit aggressive, I know, but I'd like to get her on a time routine (which is working for nighttime) rather than 3-hourly...if yousee what I mean.

At the moment she's used to falling asleep on me or after feeding (I've had to let it slip since DH went back to work) and using a dummy/paci (I don't leave her with it though as it's more trouble than it's worth).

I'd like to be able to put her down and let her sleep -- I guess everyone wants just that as welll! She doesn't like shh/pat at all.

Any suggestions/ magic tricks to achieve this?!?!

[elmarie]

Hi Lucy,

it is good to try and establish the routine with you mum there. It gives you the support you need to focus on the task ahead.

I will stick to the 3h rather than the clock (within reason of course).  If you stick to the clock you may end up with a very OT baby, NW, EW ect.  I found that once my routine was established (I started EASY at 6 weeks) it sort of goes by clock IYKWIM.

Stick with the shh/pat.  Do a modified shh/pat if you need to.  It will work (IT's like the wi/wo with Leo.  Initially it seems as if it will not work, but once they get it, it is a life saver  )

Hugs to little Leo.  He seems to be enjoying his little sister on the avatar! 

XXX

[Lu_C]

Thanks Elmarie!

When I say go by the clock I guess I really mean that I want to find her levels and figure out her pattern so that I know when to expect what.  I have already been EASYing since birth anyway but since DH went back to work I've had to let a lot of it slip because of those seemingly endless naptime routines. It was working really well and several times I was able to put her down and leave her. Not sure what happened, I guess I used the paci too much and now she 'needs' it. It's going to be a bit of a mission these next few days to get back on track and I'm not really looking forward to it.

My aims/ mission statement (I'll be back to re-inspire myself!)

I will not feed, rock, walk or sit with her to get her to sleep.
I will still use the dummy/paci if it's really needed but won't leave her with it.
I will put her down drowsy and sit with my hand on her/ holding hands until her eyes are closed (should I do this???)

Remind me of this in 2 days when I'm pulling my hair out please. Wish me luck xx

[elmarie]

If you mean that of course.  It is great that you have her on a EASY since birth.  Each Lo is different and need to go according to her needs.   You can stick to the paci for now.  She is still learning to self sooth and calm herself.  Tracy suggests that you get rid of the paci around 3 months otherwise it can become a prop.

I like your mission statement..

[*Nicola*]

Lucy

Your mission statement is fab 

But!! I think you should have a clause after the first part ..

I will not feed/rock/sit with her to sleep (unless I really really need to)    Sometimes you need to just to keep sane!!

Good luck 

[Lu_C]

IT WORKED!! Initially it was hard, of course, but I can't believe though that I actually got us to the place I wanted to get to - and beyond! There were a couple of times when I had to deviate from my mission statement but for the most part I did exactly as I had wanted to. I got rid of the dummy which set me back a few days and I spent a lot of time comforting her and being close with her. I think that was even more beneficial than just helping me get rid of the paci. When I started 'boot camp' it took 30 or 40 mins to settle her after I saw her yawn NOW I pick her when she starts to fuss (if I'm not already cuddling her!), which is usually around the hour to 1h15 mark at the moment, and she snuggles in. We stroll about for a few moments, whilst I set DS up with something to entertain him, the go to the room, darken it, cuddle for a few moments, then I lay her down, leave my hand on her shoulder for a moment to settle her and help her feel safe, sometimes she cries for a few seconds, other times she just chews her hands and I leave the room. Done. She's asleep! She's nappign for an hour each time at the moment and I have no designs on trying to extend it until 4 months when we start a much more structured routine (I need it so I can go out!!!). Sometimes she'll sleep longer, sometimes shorter, but she can sleep and soothe herself and I'm chuffed to bits!!

All I can say is CONSISTENCY!!

xx

[elmarie]

Well done Lucy