17.5 months - how much do I cut the nap?

[Mashi]

Well, he might not sleep at the normal time, but at least you give him the opportunity to.  I figure the morning sleeps are because he needed to catch up and because we have had a close to "set" nap time for so long now he is naturally tired at that time.

So because you're not on set naps it might not work - but if nap is a disaster do your best to keep as close to your set bedtimes as possible -- keep it up for a week or so and I think you will see improvments!

[mmom]

Good day.
wake - 7:30
nap - 12:35 - 2:05 (Mashi, good thing we went for the nap at the normal time because he was tired and ready!)
sleep - 7:40

Now hoping for a good night and a decent wake time.

[Mashi]

Fantastic -- let's hope this continues!!!

[mmom]

My little guy isn't feeling well.   He had a cough yesterday and it wasn't bad.  But in the middle of the night, it got worse and at 1 point he coughed so hard he threw up on himself.  When I went in to change him, he was burning up.  I tried giving him Motrin, but I don't know how much got it him, because he spit some of it out.  Fortunately, he went right back to sleep.  But it is 6:10 and he woke crying.

[Mashi]

Oh, sorry to hear that Kara...it's the time of year for it, isn't it.  I do hope it's nothing serious and that he recovers quickly xxx

[babybarr]

Oh no Kara, poor you and your DS.  My DS still coughing and has thrown up on himself several times too.  It's horrible isn't it that they can cough so hard it makes them sick.

Hope you have managed to get some meds into him and he starts feeling better soon. 

[mmom]

Thanks girls.  I am such a sap that it breaks my heart to see him that way.  He just looks so sad.

This is when I struggle with naps too.  A few weeks ago, he wasn't feeling well so I let him sleep.  But then he did a 9 hour night after that.  Should I just keep going with what I was doing?  Let him sleep a tiny bit more?  What should I do?

[Mashi]

I try to balance it out a bit...let him sleep what he needs, but within reason.  Same as if I am sick myself - I might FEEL like sleeping 4-5 hours in the day but then know I will be up half the night restless. 

Today I think DS is coming down with something as well - we had another NW last night and when he got up this morning he had dried snot ALL over his face!!!  Poor kid must have had a nasty runny nose in the night.  He went down for his nap sobbing at 1155 (so 5 minutes early after sleeping 40 minutes extra this morning), woke after 1h10 and let me rub his head to get him back to sleep within a few minutes.  He would normally sleep 12 - 130, I let him sleep until 200 ... we may have to do an early bed tonight if he is really under the weather, or we may end up with a 745 instead of a 730, will have to play it by ear.

I know it is harder to play it by ear when things flip flop from day to day....I would let him sleep up to 2h, but then get him up - rather put him back down early if need be than have him up half the night. Well, that's better for me at least!

[mmom]

I am sorry your LO isn't feeling well either.  It is really no fun.  I will see how the morning goes.  He has kind of perked up.  I don't know if he is feeling a little better or is just entertained at the moment.  My FIL is here working and my LO loves him and constantly laughs at him.

[babybarr]

Sorry Mashi your LO feeling poorly too.  At least he'll sleep more for you...

Kara we get really really crazy sleep when DS is ill with horrible naps and many more NWs usually crying - even if he has had meds too!  I hope your LO actually is feeling better and not just distracted!  We get that too - easily distracted even when ill!

[jordiwes]

Hey ladies, a little tip on the coughing, I've heard this from several people: get some baby vicks and rub it on their feet. Put socks on. Supposed to help with the cough big time. Hope your little one feels better soon!
Oh, and we've given cough medicine from time to time even though it says 2 years plus. We gave it to DD at a year old, and it really helped her get some sleep.

[mmom]

Thanks for the info Jords.  I have never heard of the vicks on the feet.  I wonder why that helps.  I put some baby vicks on my LO's chest.  Also, re: the cough medicine.  They say not to give under 4 yo.  However, my SIL's Ped recommended a dose for my nephew who weighs less than my son.  Even though my Ped says no, I thought I would try some given that he keeps choking and throwing up.  Her Ped said to give 1 tsp. (the dose is 2 tsp.) and I gave 3/4 tsp this morning.  I am glad I gave it in the morning, because it was a stimulant for him.  I really can't give that to him at night, which is a problem considering that is when the coughing gets worse.  I saw at the pharmacy that there are natural remedies for coughs and they contain honey.  But I haven't given my LO honey yet, so that is a no go.  It is frustrating that there is nothing for LO's this age.

We have not had a good day.  I put my LO down before 12 and he didn't fall asleep until 12:40, only to wake at 1:10.  Then when I got him, he was drinking some water/juice and coughed and puked all over the place.  He would not get off of me for the last hour.  He just wants to cuddle and I can tell he feels miserable.  I wish there was more I could do.  I am thinking of walking us to the pharmacy to see if there is something else I can give him, but I am not sure if the cold air will irritate his cough further.

[babyboy26]

Just trying to catch up...so sorry to hear about the sick los!!!  Hope everyone gets well really soon!

[babybarr]

get some baby vicks and rub it on their feet.

I've heard this before - tried it with no luck!!  But worth a try for those that haven't.

We can give some form of glycerol cough syrup but that's about it. 

Kara sorry your DS feeling so bad, he sounds like mine when he's ill - little sleep and just wanting cuddles.  Hope your night isn't too bad.

[mmom]

Thanks for the support ladies.  I went to the pharmacy, which if nothing else, gave us both some fresh air.  It was kind of a wasted trip though.  My friend's Ped told her to give another medicine.  But I looked at the dosing and got all freaked out because it looked high.  I don't know...  I just wish there was a cough medicine for LO's.  What really irritates me is that all of the homeopathic stuff has lactose in it.  Why do all of these products add that?

Has anyone actually tried honey for a cough.

So, I think we are just going with our normal bedtime, except maybe 15 minutes early.   I am not sure if that is good or bad, but considering he didn't nap at all today, I feel like we are in trouble no matter what.  We will put him down at 6:30 and hope he is sleeping by 6:45.