sorry- this may be a long one!

[LizzieN]

Oh that sucks!!  I would extend and try it and I wouldn't do it gradually (you will probably have a rough day doing this) because you have been trying that for ages and you aren't getting any answers....Give him a good long A time and then try and put him down...if he screams the house down you will know it's been too long and you can then start gradually reducing it, if he goes to sleep great and if he chats happily, leave him to it.  Remember even if they aren't sleeping down time is important rests help too (also help you and you know he is safe in the cot so all good).

Sounds a little extreme I know and it's may not be the greatest advice but it may give you a quicker answer.  Also if your LO wakes after 30 minutes happy, don't fret just really watch him for the next one and keep your fingers crossed.  As I have said we are still struggling with the 2nd sleep (always have) but I have got to the point where I just try not to stress too much about it unless he wakes really upset, then I will try and re-settle him any way I can

Keep chatting sweetie
Lizzie

[*Becky*]

Yes I think today I just have to get through any way I can. After the last sleep he woke after half an hour so I took him for a walk, fed him at the usual time and had him back in bed by 2 hours as I really think he must be OT by now. He cried for a bit but is now asleep!!!

If tomorrow is a good first nap then I am going to keep him up for 2 h 30 (inc wind down) and see what I get. 4 naps a day seems extreme for a 6 month old and I have spent months with short A times. If 2 h 30 gives me a half hour nap I will reduce it by 10 mins each day until we get something more. Sound ok?

Jeez - this is too much like hard work! I am surrounded by people whose babies look sleepy and then go to sleep. With Henry I am playing an eternal guessing game. It helps to know you are going through a similar thing.

Thanks Lizzie
bx

[*Becky*]

What do you make of this day so far...
Awake at 6am
E - 6.15
Solids at 7.15am
S - 7.55-8.30am

E - 10am
S - 11.15am (had been trying since 10.30am due to short first nap)

Awake at 11.45am!

Kept A time low key with quiet walk and then food at 1.30pm.
Bed at 1.45pm - fell asleep at 2pm and still asleep!

Now - I would have thought he would be horrendously OT judging by 2 earlier sleeps so what does this tell me for tomorrow?

Is he sleeping well now because he was finally tired enough and I should def be increasing A time or is he just exhausted and given in?

So tricky...any thoughts?

bx

[LizzieN]

I read another post last night, sorry can't remember which one it was but the mum said that her LO was doing similar things and that she had to cut the last cat nap out in the day and stretch the other times (I think that's right)....I am thinking that 4 naps is extreme too (and very limiting for you too, which doesn't help).. I'm going to have a bit of a look around the board and see if I can find anything useful, how is LO sleeping over night at the moment?


Lizzie

[LizzieN]

Hey sweetie just had a little look over on EASY, I think you should post and find out how many naps a day you should be heading to.  I'm thinking 2 good long ones and a catnap in the late afternoon...

...Also in my experience DS wakes up at 30 minutes on the dot if he is OT, but he will wake at 35 or 45 or 50 if UT or has a BM coming or something.  I think your LO may be undertired if he is waking at 35 minutes not 30 mins...Not sure what other mums think and if their babies are that exact, but mine seems to be with the OT thing!!! 

Keep me posted
Lizzie

[*Becky*]

Yes I have come to the conclusion that he is just not tired enough to sleep longer so tomorrow I will try 2.15 for the first nap. Now I have to try and fix another really bad nap day. He has slept for the grand total of 2 x half an hour and it is now 2pm. He is in bed talking to himself and I am sure this will become a cry soon. Surely he must be tired now!!!!!! If he was happy when he was up I would not worry tbh but he just fusses constantly and so I have to be out on the go in order to keep him quiet which is exhausting. Might call my health visitor again for some advice. Thanks for thinking of me though
bx

[LizzieN]

You're welcome sweetie, I'm here if you need to vent!!!!  You may have a child who is on the lower end of the sleep needs at the moment, but this will change when he has a growth spurt again so don't worry it will change (probably just after you get it all right - LOL)...just hang in there and stop driving yourself nuts. 

Keep to a similar routine each day, and get out and enjoy yourself when you want to. If you are having a bad nap day, head out the door and get a change of scenery for you both, if it's going well have a home day   You know I find when we are having a bad nap day it's because Dyllan is having a bad tummy day and I can't fix that, so I don't even try any more those are the days I hop in the car and go and visit a friend or head to town...I have just found for my own sanity, I can't fix it so I try not to get upset or worried and do something that I want to do   At least he usually will get a few minutes sleep in the car or a little nap in the pram then I bring bed time forward about 30 minutes and hope for a better day the next day...

You are in this for the long haul sweetie, as long as you put your LO down for naps most days and he is used to that routine as he grows up and his sleeping settles down it will all start working for you!!!  Just stop worrying and go and have a bit of life for yourself too

Sleep is really important, but not so important that you should shut yourself away from the world or send yourself silly.  Your bub needs a healthy happy mum, so remember to think of your needs occasionally too

Hang in there sweetie, it will change