Author Topic: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!  (Read 2601 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« on: April 23, 2014, 11:25:12 am »
Hi all, I'm wondering if you could give me some advice regarding implementing the EASY routine for my 5month old little boy Ralph. I don't know where to start really so I'll give you a little background info which may help.

 I breastfed Ralph until he was 2 months old which was an utter nightmare, he wouldn't feeed for more than 5 mins, screamed all the time and wouldn't sleep longer than 30mins day or night and pretty much fed all the time although only for 5mins. I tried expressing and giving him it in a bottle but he would only take 1 ounce. I mentioned it to the health visitor several times that there was a problem and I thought he wasnt opening his mouth wide enough and the only advice i was given was he wasnt latching on properly or my milk flow was too slow, too fast etc. I have 3 other childeren that I breastfed and knew it was something else, anyways I was referred to a feeding specialist who diagnosed posterior tongue tie and the next week it was snipped. By now I had been sleeping on the couch with him in my arms as he would just feed on and off all night and wouldnt sleep in moses basket or a cot (and i have a 22mth old who was woken constantly by his screaming) The moment he was snipped he found his hunger FAST and my milk supply wasnt up to it so decided to bottle feed  :( Since then there have been problems with sleeping and eating which have gradually got worse.
As he was used to feeding all the time it was quite hard to stop him snacking but made him go 2hrs which was only upped to 3hrs gradually about 1month ago. He only slept for 30mins at nap times and would scream when you tried to get him to sleep by either rocking, cradling in arms, holding him upright, in the pram until eventually he would cave in and sleep. At night he would still have 3 feeds of 3oz (stopped 4 nights ago). He never slept longer than an hour in his moses basket.
Heres where i'm stuck really, I tried implementing the 4hr easy 4 days ago but wont eat when he wakes up, its about 1hr-1hr 30 after he is also teething (he already has 2 teeth) so feeding is a bit hit and miss,  so the EASY is all over the place. Shall I post on the specific boards i.e. Day time naps(he screams, arches his back, pulls at my face, flailing arms and legs), Sleep, Habitual waking (he wakes about 7 times a night) feeding (hit and miss and wont take more than 5oz ever!) or are they linked to EASY? There are so many things that need changing I dont know where to start!  First time posting so don't want to post wrongly!!

Can anyone advise as Im at the end of my tether with the screaming and feel like a jack in the box at night and utterly exhausted as I have 3 other children, one who is under 2 also.

Thanks, sorry its a bit long Em xx

Offline creations

  • Feeding Solid Food & EASY
  • Moderator
  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 496
  • Posts: 21993
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2014, 18:19:05 pm »
Hello and welcome to BW :)

First I wouldn't try to move to the 4hr EASY right now. Let's look at your EASY time first and see what's going on ok?
Although Tracy described the 4hr EASY for 4 month olds there are babies who cannot move from 3 to 4 hr until 5 or 6 months old, they are usually prem or low birth weight or breast fed, however seeing as your LO had undiagnosed tongue tie and possibly other things going on too I just wouldn't push it at this point. My DS was formula fed (4 wks bf I had problems and had to stop), born at 13 days over and of average weight so 'should' have been able to shift to 4hr EASY at 4 months but he couldn't, he couldn't go a minute over 3 hrs until he was 6 months old and solids were introduced which kept him going a bit between milk feeds. He had (medicated) silent reflux and is a small boy and just really needed those 3hrly feeds. Hope this helps to settle your mind for the short term whilst we look at the whole EASY.

Please post your real times (not what you hope for) like this
WU 7.00
E 7.00
A 2hr (everything is A unless it is S. nappy change, feeding etc all counts)
S 9.00 - 9.40 (eyes shut and asleep to eyes open and awake, do not include wind down)
etc for the full day.
Show BT S time and NW times
If possible also put a very short note if you tried to resettle a nap if he refused a feed or what his mood was on WU or WD.

If you start here I'll have a look, I can always ask for other eyes to pop in if needed.


Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2014, 18:36:59 pm »
Hi, Thanks for replying. I just wanted to ask what is BT S time? Will post routine soon xx

Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2014, 20:28:02 pm »
I've got it it means bedtime!!  Here are the last few days since starting: I hope you can give me some advice to help, also hes quite a big baby (on the 90th percentile) so I thought that he might be able to sustain going longer?

Sunday:    WU at 6.40am
                 E at 8.05 - 3 oz
                 A 6.40 until 8.15
                 S 8.15 until 9.50 woke up after 30 mins and used shush pat for 5
                 A 9.50 until 11.40
                 E 10.45 - 4oz
                 S 11.40 until 12.10 out walking
                 A 12.10 until 12.40pm
                 S12.45 until 1.40 again we were still out
                 E 1.55pm - 7oz
                 A  1.40p.m until 4.20 p.m
                 S 4.20 p.m until 5.00 p.m
                 E 5.30p.m - 6oz
                 A  5.00pm until 6.55 p.m including bath and massage
                 E 6.45p.m - 4oz
                 S 7.10p.m - shush pat for 15mins

Night wakenings: 8.40p.m 9.15pm, 10.00p.m had feed of 6oz, 10.30pm, 12.40am, 12.55am, 1.20am, 2.20am, 3.25 am had feed of 3oz, 4.05am, 5.00a.m, 5.45am.

MONDAY : WU at 6.35a.m
                 E at 7.10a.m - 2oz
                 E at 8.20a.m - 5oz
                 A 6.35a.m until 9.00 a.m
                 S at 9.00 until 9.40 a.m shush pat when woke for 10mins
                 S 9.50 until 10.30 again shush pat as he was cranky and rubbing eyes still
                 S 10.30 until 11.00 am
                 E at 11.50 - 4oz
                 A 11.00 until 1.20pm
                 S 1.20 until 2.30pm
                 E 2.30pm - 3oz
                 A 2.30 until 4.10pm
                 S  4.10 until 4.50pm
                 E 6.40 - 3oz
                 A 4.50pm until 6.50 inc bath and massage
                 S 6.50pm fell asleep feeding

Night wakenings - 7.15pm-shush pat, 7.30pm- 7.50pm (teeth? screaming) held in arms, 9.15p.m screaming  fed 6oz at 9.40pm, 12.45a.m, 1.40am, 2.05am had 4oz, 3.00am, 3.55am,5.00am,
                 
YESTERDAY:  WU at 7.00am
                     E 7.15am - 3oz
                     A 7.00-8.45am
                     S  8.45-9.15am tried shush pat but got hysterical flailing arms etc.
                     A  9.15-10.30am
                     S  10.30 - 11.15 shush pat when woke up for 15mins
                     S 11.30 - 12.00pm
                     E  1.45pm - 3oz
                     A 12.00pm- 2.30pm
                     S  2.30pm - 3.00pm again tried shush pat for 20mins
                     E  3.30pm - 3oz
                     E  4.30pm - 4oz
                     A  3.00pm- 4.45pm
                     S  4.45pm - 5.15pm
                     E  6.45pm - 6oz
                     A 5.15pm - 7.10 including bath etc
                     S 7.10

Night wakenings - 7.35pm, 8.45pm, 9.45 fed 6oz, 11.00pm, 12.45am until 1.10 screaming (tried bottle didnt want it), 2.40am, 3.20am (tried bottle again ), 4.40am, 5.15am,

Hope this helps, looking at it its no wonder I'm worn out  :(  I also forgot to mention that Ralph wakes himself up at least 3times in the night coughing and coughs a lot in the day too. Doc suspects asthma as his chest is clear and hes had it for a few months now so thats not helping matters.

Thanks Em x
                     
                     
                 
                 

Offline creations

  • Feeding Solid Food & EASY
  • Moderator
  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 496
  • Posts: 21993
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2014, 21:39:10 pm »
For future reference you will find this link in the Welcome post on the home page
Site Acronyms/Abbreviations - What they are, and what they mean.

Wow I'm not surprised you are exhausted! You've done amazing to keep going this long!
So, looking at your easy it seems the 'best' nap in the morning came at 2.5hr A time on Monday, although you had to resettle at every transition (40 mins) he was at least tired enough to be resettled. Some of the shorter A times and unable to resettle, even some of the screaming and pulling at you etc could be his communication of being UT and not yet ready for a nap.  I would aim for 2.5hr A times and to be ready to resettle if needed (beginning the resettle the moment he stirs can help, looks like maybe you are doing this already, pop in at 35 mins if you can and be ready to begin your resettling method, shush/pat or just pat etc). If you get a short nap and can't resettle reduce the following A time but not by too much, some of your A times are on the short side which leads to another short nap, so perhaps 2hr 15min.

I would bring BT earlier and see if any of the NWs reduce. With short naps and OT at BT there can be many NWs in the first part of the night.  Although I'm suggesting increasing his A times, I would try a shorter A time before BT, maybe 1hr 30. Just try a few days and see if anything changes. It may, it may not.

Feeds. How about look to increase gently towards 3.5hrs?  With his naps being unpredictable you'll have to put feeds wherever you can some early to be ready for nap time, some later. if the naps improve you might find he can go longer between E but when he is awake instead of sleeping he's likely to be hungry earlier.

The number of NWs and him screaming and coughing really sound like something else is going on, not just routine.  At first glance it sounds like reflux to me, the short naps, eating habits, NWs from possible discomfort...  Have you looked at reflux symptoms to see if anything strikes a chord?
Reflux checklist for parents and Drs

OK, given you a bit to think about there. Do come back if you have any more questions, otherwise see how you go with the changes, routines very rarely change over night, he'll need some time to settle in to it before we can see what else might need changing.

Oh - and get some back up in! You need a break, if there is anyone you can call upon to hold him and entertain him for his A time ask them, most people are happy to help if asked. Get yourself a 2hr nap during his A and you can still be up and ready to take over for the hard part of putting him down for the nap.  Everyone needs a break, especially with nights like that.
hugs.


Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2014, 19:47:00 pm »
Hi,

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. Just an update really on todays events. Today was very similar to Mondays routine in terms of times with the exception of an extra nap and after putting to bed tonight he slept for 1hour 15mins before wakening which is an improvement on 30 mins. His A tomes today were 2hrs.

 I also have some infant gaviscon which he has had today as it was suggested by the doctor if the inhaler didn't seem to be helping then I was to try it as apparently with reflux their oesophagus becomes inflamed leading to coughing but my other lo suffered terribly with reflux and was seeing a specialist till he was 8mths old and Ralph doesn't have the typical symptoms like vomiting and screaming after feeds, he tends to just scream and flail about when hes tired but I'm willing to give gaviscon a try just in case its silent reflux.
I will update you with any progress or if things become worse.

Once again Thanks!!

Emx

Offline creations

  • Feeding Solid Food & EASY
  • Moderator
  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 496
  • Posts: 21993
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2014, 07:17:39 am »
My DS had silent reflux and due to not vomiting and consistently gaining weight it was undiagnosed for a good while but when I looked at all the other symptoms it was more clear to me. At his worst he actually did start to bring up milk but not in the huge quantities expected of a refluxer, here it could be 3hrs after a feed he'd bring up.  If I remember correctly it took a good few days or a week for infant gaviscon to help...and then after a short period or it seeming to help it became less effective. Things like runny snuffly or blocked nose, hiccups and coughing were common here.


Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2014, 19:55:13 pm »
Hi all,

Thought Id update you on the current situation and our progress or lack of it should I say! Things havent improved and if anything are gradually becoming worse  :'( I tried increasing his awake time to 2 hrs15 even though he was quite clearly tired and very cranky. He still catnaps and I cant seem to settle him back down like before with ssh-pat, I have stayed in the room with him for up to an hr but he just wont go back to sleep and gets very upset,  he has only had 2 long naps 1hr 30 twice in the last 10 days all others are 30-40 mins.I have started to wean him over last few days as hes back on 2-2hr 30 feeds which has also complicated matters.
 Night wakenings are still happening but he doesnt scream very often like he did but again ssh pat while he's in the cot does'nt always work and he refuses dummy and pushes back on me if i try to lay him on his side as if he's definately resisting, when this happens it ends up with him crying so I pick him up which is ultimately what he wants.
To make matters even worse I put my back out last week and I am still struggling when lifting him and bending over. Im starting to feel at my wits end and was in floods of tears this morning as it just felt that yet again I'd spent most of the entire morning trying to get him to sleep and keep him asleep and when hes not asleep he is a very, very grumpy baby probably due to lack of sleep!
 The main issue that im struggling with is him fighting at nap times and when he's tired. He starts off crying then quickly progresses to screaming, arches his back and tries to push himself out of my arms, refuses dummy arms and legs are kicking and hitting and pulling on my face and it really tests my patience to the limit. He does this even with sssshhh-pat until eventually he calms down but it can take 20-30 mins of this until he will take his dummy and then calm down, its really stressful I'm having to wear ear plugs everytime!! And all of this for 30 mins of nap time and when he wakes hes still tired which means hes cranky, I only get maybe 30mins of "nice playtime" with him before the fussing starts.
Shall I start to do PU/PD with him and how will I go about it as I'm worried about my back?
Any suggestions or just words of support would really help me as I'm starting to feel despaired .

Em x

Offline creations

  • Feeding Solid Food & EASY
  • Moderator
  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 496
  • Posts: 21993
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2014, 21:27:55 pm »
Oh dear :(  hugs. Sounds like you're still having a really rough time of it.

Did the gaviscon have any effect? Any progress with finding out why he's coughing, is he on inhalers?

I wouldn't advise PU/PD right now.  You'd need to know his health is 100% before starting and with that coughing, possible asthma, reflux or something else, I just wouldn't start. I have a bad back too and I know how much of a strain it can be picking up a baby.

I think if anything I'd risk upping his A time quite rapidly to 2hr 30 then 2hr 45 (possibly even 3hr as he approaches 6 months) to make him good and tired then shush/pat him through the 30 min transition - which is also hard on your back.  Will he AP in a stroller for you to give you a break?

You will get past this, you will x


Offline Buttonbobs

  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 124
  • Gender: Female
  • Posts: 6873
  • E - born 20/10/11
  • Location: Hampshire - England
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2014, 21:40:21 pm »
Just wanted to come on and add hugs and support. Creations has given you some great advice but it sounds like you're having a tough time so thought the additional reassurance might be helpful.

Do try and get some rest when you can, and ask for help.
~ Naomi ~




Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #10 on: May 10, 2014, 06:36:12 am »
Hi, thanks for replying  :) gaviscon hasn't made any difference I do think its temper and
As it's not his pain cry. His cough has virtually gone as we use inhaler 3 times a day. At the moment I struggle keeping him awake for 2.25hrs. He's cranky, won't play, shouts turn into cries he won't sit on my knee he just throws himself about so myself/partner/grandparents end up walking about with him until time for nap. This happens when he's he's been awake for 1hr 30 so the thought of extending his A times is going to be awful but I will try.
Maybe I've just got a very grumpy baby but everyone comments on his bad temper.

Any other ideas I could try?

Offline creations

  • Feeding Solid Food & EASY
  • Moderator
  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 496
  • Posts: 21993
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #11 on: May 10, 2014, 08:21:00 am »
Will he take a decent long sleep if you AP him? Hold him right through a nap or in the stroller for instance?
It really sounds like he is struggling with something to me, not just routine, and more than just being grumpy.


Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #12 on: May 10, 2014, 09:32:45 am »
Yes he will take a long nap in the stroller although he does wake after the normal 30-45 mins and then he stays awake for 10-15 mins and goes back off for another 30-40 mins. My partner has taken him on long walks to give me a break when he's not working. I don't want to have to do this at every nap time though.
I haven't tried holding him throughout nap again I don't want to set a precedent, I have another little boy who's 2 next month so I have to look after him too although OH works from home which is a god send really.
What is AP? Can't find it on abbreviation list?

Thanks

Offline creations

  • Feeding Solid Food & EASY
  • Moderator
  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 496
  • Posts: 21993
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #13 on: May 10, 2014, 09:39:26 am »
AP = accidental parenting, basically all the things Tracy warned us of ;)  We often use/suggest APOP (accidental parenting on purpose) as a way to get some sleep into LO if they are OT (which can help get back on track) or as a 'break' for parents. I know it doesn't sound like much of a break though if you're holding him but in a sling or stroller sometimes you can be 'free' to deal with another child or at least just enjoy the peace instead of fighting.


Offline jessmum46

  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 411
  • Posts: 14235
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #14 on: May 12, 2014, 13:14:26 pm »
Hugs, just popping on to offer another set of eyes as it sounds like you're having a really tough time :(.

Obviously you know him best, but just reading through your thread with the number/frequency of night wakings, very short naps and noticeable grumpiness I really do think it's worth considering whether something else could be at play.  Reflux is a very good suggestion - often the only symptoms can be related to mood and poor sleep, and Gaviscon often isn't enough to help.  I know you have experience with your previous child so you may be familiar with some of the other medications available.  Would it be worth a trial do you think?

What about other symptoms - eczema, poos etc?  Just wondering if he could have any intolerances e.g. to cows milk protein?  (Often goes along with reflux)

If he's teething have you ever tried any pain meds to see if he settles easier?

I may have missed this earlier on in the thread but how do you settle him at BT and NWs?


Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #15 on: May 12, 2014, 20:08:13 pm »
Hi,

Thanks for offering some more support Jessmum. Im torn really with regards to the reflux suggestion as with my other LO he really screamed with the pain where Ralph doesnt scream like hes in pain  :-\ Although he does mess with his bottles, pulling it out and crying then wanting it straight back again. When I first stopped breastfeeding him I didn't have a clue about what milk to buy as I've never bottlefed any of my other children so started him on SMA but I did mention to my HV that his poos were olive green which I didn't think was normal, however she said it could be his body getting rid of extra iron?
This went on till about 2 months ago when I changed his milk to see if it made a difference to his mood/poos and his poos are now dark yellow/brownish which I think is normal. My other LO has quite severe eczema and have just noticed over the past couple of weeks that Ralph too is developing scaly patches on stomach and leg which is upsetting as its an awful condition and has caused all the family upset and distress watching his brother having it, we have to wet bandage him at night at the minute. Going to see homeopath in a couple of weeks as we have tried everything to no avail.

Anyways back to Ralph-sorry got sidetracked!! At bedtime after his bottle he's shattered and I have no problem settling him, I just put him down and hold his hand for 5 mins and then leave. With NW I turn him on side and sshh him with hand holding and hand on back but its not working well anymore he just resists and pushes himself on back and starts to cry. I keep trying until I eventually pick him up and sssh pat stood up which again he resists, wont have dummy in his mouth at first but eventually he gives up and I put him down half asleep and hold hand until hes nodded off, but again this doesnt always work and when my back has had enough I sit on the bed with him in my arms which usually ends up with him arching his back, head turning arms flailing, so I sit him up and jig him on my knees saying ssshh keeping the dummy in his mouth and he calms right down and he will go in my arms then for a few mins again until hes half asleep then I put him down.

I have tried not holding him for long as I thought thatr might be an issue but it made no difference whatsoever he just cried more.

So I'm still stuck on what to do? Shall I post on the sleep thread or leave it here?

Thanks for all help and support, much appreciated. xx

Offline jessmum46

  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 411
  • Posts: 14235
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #16 on: May 16, 2014, 12:58:04 pm »
How are things going now?

Just wondering (from what you wrote) if possibly he could be a bit too dependent on your presence to fall asleep?  I wonder if (once you know he's completely 100% well) you may need to work on a bit less intervening?

((Hugs))

Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #17 on: June 08, 2014, 10:14:11 am »
Hi, Sorry not replied sooner Katherine but things have been really busy. We are preparing to move house in a few weeks and have just come back off holiday. Ralph has been ill since we came back but hoping to get things back on track soon. Is it a good idea to post on sleep board as i'm still having problems with his sleeping. He continues to wake 4 or 5 times in the night and several after I've put him down. Daytime naps are awful too. I think you are right about less intervening but need advice really. Re-reading chapter on sleep tonight, think I may have to get rid of pacifier.

Thanks

Offline jessmum46

  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 411
  • Posts: 14235
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #18 on: June 08, 2014, 18:20:26 pm »
Hugs, sorry things are still tough.  You're welcome to post what's going on currently here or start a new thread for some fresh pairs of eyes xx

Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #19 on: June 15, 2014, 08:55:17 am »
Hi, Yes things have been tough still!! Night wakenings are happening frequently and he still cant self settle at all. Need some help desperately as I'm really exhausted and we cant go on like this anymore. I have done AP for the last few days to get back on track as he was getting really OT . How do I start with less intervening? Our room is very close to my other LO and Ralph can be very loud as he doesn't scream anymore like he used to it's more like shouting which gets louder and eventually turns into crying if he's not seen to. Here is our routine for the last few days

WU 6.00
E 7.00 7oz bottle
E 8.00 Porridge
A 3hr 20
S 1hr 20 - pushed in pram, woke 3 times-pushed back to sleep
E 11.00 7oz bottle
E 12.45 4Tbs food
A 3hrs 10
S 2hrs - Pushed in pram - woke twice
E 4.00 7oz bottle
E 4.45 4tbs food
A 2hrs 45
E 6.30 7oz bottle
S 6.45 - Night wakenings 7.20, 8.00, 9.00, 10.15, 11.20 ( feed) 12.15,1.25, 3.00, 3.30 (feed) 4.10, 5.00

Yesterday
WU 6.00
E 7.00 - 7oz bottle
E8.15 - porridge
A 3hrs 20
S 1hr 25 - pushed in pram outside woke twice
E11.00 7oz bottle
E 12.45 4Tbs food
A 2hrs 40
S 1hr 15
E 3.00 7oz bottle
E 4.30 4TBs food
A 2hr 25
S catnap 5.10-5.40
E 7.10 7oz bottle
A 1hr 30
S 7.30, night wakenings were more frequent but not written down. Roughly saw to him 6 times before feeding him at 11.45 then approx (from what I can remember) 12.20, 12.40 1.25, 2.30,3.00, 3.20 fed 7oz, 5.00 - stayed awake for 45mins shouting and playing went back to sleep for 45mins and got up at 6.30.

Extra info that may help is that hes a very touchy/grumpy baby and also when he wakes I settle him by putting dummy in and he immediately turns on his side and reaches for my hand to hold, I've tried a lovey but he just gets angry and swings and throws them, I have lessened the time I hold his hand to just a minute or so and put my hand on his back to re-settle him, just saying sleepy time now as ssshh seemed to aggravate him? It works most of the time but sometimes he needs picking up and I rub his back and put him straight back down. I'm thinking pacifier or myself are a prop but how do I start to rectify it without him screaming all night? tried PU/PD a few times but it seemed to make him worse. If EASY looks ok then shall I move this to sleep boards?

Advice and help please?!!! xxx

Offline jessmum46

  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 411
  • Posts: 14235
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #20 on: June 16, 2014, 18:46:06 pm »
Am I right in thinking he's coming up to 7 months now?

Wow ok that's a lot of NWs!  Hugs, you must be absolutely shattered :(

My first thought would be to rule out any sort of discomfort e.g. Teething, reflux, allergies/intolerances etc (I'm presuming you've started some solids now?), but assuming that's not an issue I'd agree you've almost certainly got some prop problems.  Almost certainly the paci and probably your hand as well. 

The thing about sleep training of any kind is that there is almost certainly going to be some crying because you are changing the way LO knows how to settle to sleep.  So yes he will scream, cry, protest, perhaps for hours at a time the first night or two, but key is the fact you are there with him, reassuring him as he learns to settle in a different way.  PUPD would probably be the way to go at this age - when you say it makes him worse, do you mean it escalates his crying? 

For your other LO could you use white noise?  Just thinking that sleep training can be very hard work, and you're less likely to see it through if you're worried about disturbing your other LO.  Or could he/she perhaps have a little 'holiday' for a few days to a grandparent or friend (sorry I don't know how old he or she is)?  What about using ear defenders?  I know one mum here whose LOs share a room has her older DS put on ear defenders if his sister wakes in the night.  Or can you sleep train Ralph in a different room? 

Let me know your thoughts x

Offline geordiemummy

  • New & Learning The Ropes
  • *
  • Showing Appreciation 0
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #21 on: July 13, 2014, 20:45:31 pm »
Hi again

Sorry its been a while since I posted but we have finally moved house and settled in now. Still having problems with Ralphs sleeping habits so will post on sleep board now xx

Offline jessmum46

  • Resident BW Chatterbox!
  • *****
  • Showing Appreciation 411
  • Posts: 14235
  • Location: UK
Re: EASY for 5month old not going well so far!
« Reply #22 on: July 13, 2014, 20:53:19 pm »
Ok no problems :) good luck x