Does shush pat teach to self soothe?

[crazyyear]

Hi,
I'm trying to teach my 5 month old to self soothe as she's unable to move through sleep cycles during day time naps.
Will shush pat teach this or is pick up put down a better method?
Thanks!!!!

[weaver]

The first thing you need to do is look at your routine and make sure baby is tired enough but not too tired at nap time. Sh-pat certainly promotes independent sleep. PU/PD should only be used as a last resort, once routine has been sorted. Also, are there any medical issues interfering with sleep?

[crazyyear]

Thanks weaver, routine as follows:
7.00 feed
08.50/9.00 nap, 30 mins-60 mins while I walk to school
11.00 feed
11.30/12.00 nap in crib, shush pat to settle and to help through sleep cycles
2.30 feed
3.30/4.00 nap 30 mins usually out and about in car or buggy
5.00 small feed
6.30 bed time feed and wind down
7.00 bed
11.00 dream feed

She had reflux but is under control with medication.
I've recently took the dummy away, I believe this has got her into habit of waking after sleep cycles. She's doing great at night since but day time sleep is still a problem.
I have tried A time of 1.30-2 hours which is normal for her age.

Any other help very welcome!

[Buntybear]

Hi - average A time at 5 months is 2-2.5 hours. Could you try pushing the A times a bit? Soon (around 6/7 months) you will approach the 3-2 nap dropping and will be looking at A times of 3 hours.

[crazyyear]

Thanks Buntybear! I guess I was also putting 30 minute wake up to over tired but perhaps she's under tired of I'm putting her down too early? I try to watch for tired signals but all I get from her is she goes quiet and I'm taking that as a tired signal, if she gets over tired all hell can break loose so I've been acting quick to avoid that happening.
Maybe tomorrow I'll try push the A time out, I haven't gone over 2 hours so what would you suggest to push to?
I've tried everything else so worth a shot!!!!

[Buntybear]

Hi - well normally you would push by the A time by 15 mins to avoid an OT meltdown, especially if she is prone to OT. Watching for OT signs can be hard. As they need an A time push, often dictated by short naps or refusals then you need to push through the sleepy signs.

How has it been today?

[crazyyear]

I've gone to 2 hours today, she was rubbing her eyes and getting fussy.
Still no sign of going past 30 mins.
Feeling really discouraged, there's so many tears!
Would you suggest to keep pushing A time by 15 mins every day to see if that helps?

[weaver]

Not every day. Hold the pattern for three days or longer if you think it's working. Sorry short post, pop back later if you have any other questions

[Buntybear]

Hi yes agree with Anne - sorry I should have said that in my other post. Push by 15 mins for a few days until she adjusts and then see if she can go another 15 mins if needs be. x

[crazyyear]

Thank you both, I will push to 2.15 for next 3 days and see how she does!

[Buntybear]

Good Luck -let us know how you get on x

[crazyyear]

Hi Buntybear and Anne, just wanted to update you. I've increased the A time to 2.15 for the last week and it's made such an improvement....who knew 15 mins would make such a difference. She's settling quicker and transitioning through cycles easier! I also have confidence in knowing she is tired and ready for a nap instead of rushing her to sleep before she gets over tired.
I have another question, she's 5 months exactly by calendar date this week but she was 2 weeks early so corrected date would be 4.5 months-does baby whisperer go by actual birth date or due date regarding A times. I'm just wondering should I try increase by anther 15 mins?
Thanks for your advise!!!

[creations]

she was 2 weeks early so corrected date would be 4.5 months-does baby whisperer go by actual birth date or due date regarding A times.

I don't think there is an official 'rule' as to actual or adjusted ages (although there is some guidance for prem and low birth weight LOs) and it's likely because all the guidance routines and times are just that, guidance, everyone adapts the times to what suits their own LO's needs so if you LO needs a bit more than guidance times that's fine.
I do know though that mine, 2 weeks overdue, had his 4 months regression at 3.5 months, got back on track at 5.5 rather than 6 months and often seemed like he ought to be 2 weeks older than he was.  As time goes on though the difference in due dates and actual ages lessens so I really wouldn't worry about it.

[weaver]

hey that's great news! always good to hear positive results, and, yes it is totally crazy how much different 15 mins can make.

Creations has given you a great reply above, BW means listening to your baby so watch him and you''ll get your answer.  We'll always be happy to help you work it out!

[Buntybear]

Thanks for coming back to update us - and so happy it is a positive one!

If things have improved I would stick with it for now. Keep that extra 15 mins uproar sleeve for when you need it!

Albeit when we were down to one nap - once I had got my head around Olly and his sleeping habits when he needed a tweak then I was able to add 15 mins on his A time and then shave it off the end of the nap. Just something to keep in mind