Short naps - query

[October]

Hi,

I'm trying wake to sleep using the gentle stirring method. My DS is almost 3 months (corrected age) old and has erratic waking times, either 30 or 45 minutes. I'm gently stirring him at about 23-25 minutes but then I get confused.

If I want him to sleep for 90 minutes or more does the 30-minute following cycle start when he successfully stirs ? If so, do I then have to repeat the exercise after the next 23-25 minutes to keep him asleep ?

Thanks....maybe I'm over-analysing this

[VikP]

Hi,

Unfortunately, I don't have an answer for you, just wanted to let you know that we are in the same exact situation:). My DD is also 3 months old and she wakes up at around 25-30 minutes and I can't get her back to sleep with pat/shh, so I am thinking about starting the W2S.

[Caroline-Charlies Mummy]

Hello,

have you both read this? https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=64168.0

It's in our FAQs section, and is a great source of information about wake to sleep

[October]

Yep, read that. My question is how to extend him yo 1.5 or 2 hours if he wakes at c.30 minutes ? Do I have to re-set the clock at each stirring and repeat assuming he will again go only 30 minutes ?

[October]

Hi,
Still looking for a way to extend 30-45 minut naps through more than 1 following cycle. Anyone got any solutions to this problem ? Can't find the answer anywhere on these posts......

[October]

Hi Stacy,
Thanks for the steer ! Yesterday showed a different pattern. If left, my son woke at 45 minutes exactly. So, can I use w2s in that case ? I have tried it when I thought he was waking at 30 minutes and it worked about 75% of the time.

I don't use props and usially leave him cooing or sleepy in his crib. Pacis never worked so we don't use those !!

Guess I should watch another nap or two and make sure of the awake time and continue with w2s............ 

[October]

Stacy,

You have likely hit the nail on the head...also have a post re.night wakings and they must be related. Thing is, my guy wakes early and is hard to settle so I'm doing something wrong with awake times.

If it helps any I'll outline a typical day/night and maybe you can see a fix ? Main unknown for me is the effect of his prematurity (10 weeks before his 3-month-age in 2 days' time):-

E - 7am
A
S - 8.30-10am
E - 11am
A
S - midday-2.25pm if I can extend nap
E - 3pm
A
S - 4-4.5/5pm - worst nap of the day
E - 5.15pm
A - low key only
Bath 6.15pm, then bed c.7pm

Awake bt.12-1.30am for a feed. Then unsettled c.4.30-5am. Usually offer a small feed (long time set at 3oz or less !) and sometimes he sleeps, usually not. That affects 1st awake time v.badly.........Been on 4-hour feeds for 2 months now per leaving hospital. He's a spirited handful of a guy !!

What do you think ?

[October]

Just had today a 2.5 hour lunchtime nap and a refusal to go down (for third day on the trot) at 4pm. He was only up 2.30pm till 4pm and that happened. He may be refusing afternoon nap whic hI've read elsewhere can happen (Gina Ford - much of whose advice I found too strict for our guy but that part of can empathise with right now !)

He may well be overtired so I'll try changing around the routine but he needs different handling to a term baby and there's very little guidance anywhere on routine differences for preemies.....! Thing is, he doesn't usually wake up in anything other than a good mood...

[October]

Stacy,

I've switched to 3.5hr schedule but see the actual awake time is 2 hours from the moment his nap finishes to the time he goes back down... (from FAQ re. EASY). Anything wrong with this in his case ?

Also, in trying w2s I have set my stopwatch when I think he's asleep and don't gel with 10/20 minute slots. When do you know they are asleep for sure ? Mine usually settles quickly if he's going to. Also, his nap times have been all over the map so I'm not trying it at the moment....will wait till I think he's no longer overtired.

We managed 3 naps yesterday (not all 1.5 hr w/o help) and a catnap refusal ! Guess that's when walks will be taking place.......... though he's wide awake for stroller/car rides nowadays.

Thanks for all your help, it's been a godsend and Jenn also concurred over on the Night Wakings Board with my early rising query.   

[October]

Thanks for the 1hr 45 mins. sleep idea - if you look at the FAQs on transitioning bt. 3/3.5 and 4 hr schedules, you'll see why I raised the question...the awake times are actually 2 hrs if they sleep per the 1.5 hr recommended nap.

I'll see if I can extend him to 1hr 45 mins' sleep which makes the schedule do-able.