Author Topic: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!  (Read 3398 times)

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Offline Gappyranks

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Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« on: May 09, 2016, 19:55:30 pm »
Hi.

I have hit rock bottom with the napping situation with the little one.
He is 15 weeks and this has been going on since he was 4 weeks old.
He refuses to nap, we try to read his cues asap usually around an hour after being awake but getting him to let go can take hours. He gets very stressed and upset around nap times and fights them to the point where he is just a fussy crying baby all day.
The thing that makes him nap is the sling.  But only while I pace around without stopping and patting him constantly- I'm exhausted and can't do anything for myself. He freaks out in the pushchair and won't sleep on the shoulder or chest or my arms which saddens me. When he gets overtired because he's not letting go nothing can calm him- his arms and legs shake with anger.
He is bf exclusively and will sleep on my right boob only! But as soon as I un latch  him as he is using it as a pacifier he wakes up.
He doesn't take a pacifier either.
Once he gets his sleep he's great! We've also realised he's great at night and can sleep a good 5 hour stretch and go down again till the napping nightmare starts from 7am till bed which is 7pm. Iv taken advice of ppl who said maybe he doesn't need much sleep in the day- but he does! He's exhausted and when I pace with him he cam sleep for 2 hours on me. Just lost and exhausted mentally. Please help!

Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2016, 23:19:57 pm »
Hi and welcome to the forums! :)

First of all, many many hugs! It's definetly not an easy task when they are so little. I currently have a 12 week old myself (and 4yo) and I was eager for advice and help when my new LO came along. You've came to the right place and hopefully other moms and myself included can help ease your days up a bit. Sending nothing but love and positive vibes, as I myself know how overwhelming it can be!

Would you mind posting what your day is like, more or less. For example:

7am wake and eat
7:30-8:00 activity
8:30-10:00am nap

10:00am eat ...... Etc.

I'm sure it is far from predictable and routined atm, but whatever you can. Seeing your day can help me (or other awesome moms on here) see possible ways to help with some advice :)

Everything will work out and feel free to come on here and vent away or ask questions! I have! ;) that's why this community is here. Let's see what we can do for you xoxo
Fabi






Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2016, 07:00:17 am »
Hiya,

Thank you for your reply- means a lot.

Our days still vary but the below will give you an idea.

7 am awake and feed
8 am nap- sling falls asleep
8.45 awake and feed
10.15 nap sling
12.15 awake and feed
1.45 nap gets more difficult from the afternoon
3.15 awake and feed
4.45 nap very difficult to nap
5.30 awake and feed
6.30 bath story prep for night
7.00 feed
7.30 8 sleep nursed and rocked to sleep
12 am wakes feed
5 am feed
7 am awake

Notes on the above. He never gives hunger cues or cries for a feed I just offer it to him if he fussed.  Also sling involves me pacing and patting him continously.

We are now trying the pupd method and are on day 2. It's soooo tough! As I can no longer do the sling as it's too much.

Your help and support will mean the world.


Offline Scottishmummy

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2016, 13:58:31 pm »
Hi & welcome to BW.

Just popping in to ask if you've had a look at these links on the FAQ board:

15 wks is a little young for PUPD, have you tried sh-pat first?  This might be helpful:

At what age is PU/PD appropriate?

Also your first A time looks short for his age, most babies by 15wks are doing at least 1hr20-30, some getting closer to 2hrs before a nap...that might be why it's tricky to get the nap and and only getting a short one:

Average A times- BOOKMARK ME!

He might be looking tired from habit or boredom, could you try keeping him up a bit longer before the nap..I'd suggest gradually increasing time before first nap by 10-15 mins every couple of days until he's falling asleep more easily.

Could you describe how you're winding down for nap and introducing cot sleep to see if we can help with that routine too?


"Touchy/Spirited" DS


"Textbook" DD



Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2016, 17:24:01 pm »
Hi,

thanks for the reply!

the shh and pat method doesnt work on him unfortunately so we are trying the pupd method.

in the morning he gets tired after but will try keeping him up a bit longer before the first nap.

Wind down for nap consist of taking him to the bedroom, closing the curtains, swaddling him and then walking around with him in the bedroom to make him relax and telling him its time for a nap.

im really confused on what else I can do. its so tough.


Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #5 on: May 10, 2016, 17:35:29 pm »
also I should add, in the pupd method I am shhhing and patting him before I put him down in a relaxed drowsy state. So I am trying to do it in our way- not sure if this is correct.

Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #6 on: May 10, 2016, 19:24:38 pm »
Hello! Yes the first A time is a little short. I have a 12 week old on 1;15/1.5 A time... All are different and A times can vary but try adding a few mins consistently for the next few days to that morning nap. See if it helps any, as scottishmummy suggested! :)

Keep in mind, A time is eyes open, to eyes closed. If you are shooting for maybe a 1:15 A time instead of 1hr... Head to his room 15-20 mins prior. That sounds like a great wind down. Mine is about the same! Your on the right track. Remember, it takes weeks to teach baby new methods. Just stay consistent and hopefully you'll see some changes soon! Hang in there! I know I am ;) HUGS!

As far as the shh/pat method.. It can be adjusted to your LOs needs. that's what BW is all about. Getting to know baby and be in tune with his/her needs. Shh pat was too stimulating for my LO as well.... Patting wasn't for him and shhing got me too tired (personally) ...so I use a white noise app on my phone, (similar to shhhhh noises) and I patted his bottom instead while holding him in a cradle position. Also, caressing his head works well too!

I would consider trying another method aside PUPD as it can be too OS for him and also, it is best used as last resort/older babies once routine looks good and has been adjusted, yk?

It's very tough, for sure. But you will get through this!

He is BF correct?  You mentioned you feed anytime he gets fussy, however keep in mind that fussiness isn't just a sign of hunger. It could be a number of things. You mentioned he doesn't have hunger cues? Following a good Eat Activity Sleep routine can help you figure out what's next. Could it be possible he is just a "snacker" and isn't getting full meals at a time? Something to consider?

How are his moods through the day? Is he constantly fussy? How about tummy troubles? Reflux?

Hugs!!!
Fabi






Offline Scottishmummy

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #7 on: May 10, 2016, 20:31:48 pm »
Agree with all of the above. I used to just hold mine in the cot until they were asleep as even patting was too stimulating!  At first you sh-pat (or your adapted version) until LO is asleep as cot is such a big change from being cuddled and rocked in the sling. You can then gradually reduce how much help you give to get to sleep.

Re A times- he seems to be doing 1hr 30 later in the day. Do you think you could gradually push first nap to closer to 8.30? Maybe push it later by 10 mins every 2-3 days with low key activities or a longer wind down for those extra minutes?

I always found naps got harder to get in the cot later in the day. Maybe start with aiming for just 1 or 2 in the cot to start with & give yourself a break later in the day.

My DS was a nap avoider, it was very very hard, he also used to scream at naptime.  Do you know your baby's temperament (touchy,mspirited, textbook etc?)

Good luck and let us know how you get on xxx
"Touchy/Spirited" DS


"Textbook" DD



Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2016, 15:38:42 pm »
Hi,

Thanks for the support. Tried to keep him up for longer this morning however he only slept 30 mins.

He does cluster feed but every 3 hours and he doesn't fuss for a feed! Should I maybe wait 4 hours so he can feed fuller and maybe sleep better?

Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #9 on: May 11, 2016, 16:22:44 pm »
Gappyranks,

sorry about the short naps! Did you extend ONLY the morning one by a few mins? Or did you extend all his A times? Work with his first A time only. It will eventually push the rest of the day out as he adjusts! Remember, this is something you have to consistently push for at least 3 days. It's only been one day I believe, so just keep trying :) if 15 minutes was too much, consider pushing in 5 min increments. It can make a world of difference in some LOs :)

Your LO is 15 weeks and is almost 4 months, correct? (16 weeks) ....by 4 months their A times should be closer to 1:45/2hrs as they begin to transition to 4 hour feeds. However, I BF myself and he can only do max of a 3hr feed at almost 3 months... i suggest  you continue to feed on demand. Do not push him or withhold feeds. At 3 months and 4 months there is some growth spurts. Continue to feed on demand especially being EBF. As his A times and naps gradually increase so will his feeds :) if you continue to follow EASY routine, then you will know when he's hungriest! It helps! :D

I would consider pushing those A times closer to 1:30/1:45 since he is almost 4 months. Remember, eyes open to eyes closed. Also, keep in mind, there is a regression at 4 months and thinks get a little crazy so don't expect too much to happen too soon. They change so much! Hang in there :D !
« Last Edit: May 11, 2016, 16:25:20 pm by FPT23 »
Fabi






Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #10 on: May 12, 2016, 07:29:15 am »
Hi,

I feel so confused! Feel awful not even sure when he wants a feed. Just kept him up for 1.5 hours and he slept for 35 mins only. Really don't know what to do!?

Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #11 on: May 12, 2016, 16:10:04 pm »
Hi! Many hugs!

Feed on demand. When did you keep him up for 1.5 hours? That generally is an OT nap but when did you try to keep him up? I need to know how the day was to try and help you.

Keep in mind this is a time of many changes for your LO. Hugs!
Fabi






Offline Scottishmummy

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2016, 13:55:55 pm »
Sorry it's so hard.

Could you gradually increase his first A time e.g. 10-15 mins every 2-3 days. The big leap might be too much for him.

How's settling in the cot going?
"Touchy/Spirited" DS


"Textbook" DD



Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #13 on: May 16, 2016, 12:59:42 pm »
Hi.

Update. Realising he needs a nap every 1 hour 15 mins, max he can stay up is 1.5 apart from 2 hours before bed. He has started settling in his cot however the max length of nap has been 50 mins, probably why he is tired so often. He still finds it tough to self soothe when he wakes in the day and can't go back to sleep..

He is definitely going through a growth spurt as he is wanting feeding more often.  Damn these growth spurts! If only there was a way to extend his naps to 1.5 to 2 hours as he would be able to have more awake time. As getting him to nap is tiring on myself! X

Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2016, 14:54:57 pm »
Hi there!

Just to chime in with your last statement...!

By now I assume he's older than 15 weeks? His A time should be around 2hrs by now, actually! Those naps might be UT if his A time is only 1 hr 15 mins. Yk? Is he nearing 5 months already?

I would def consider increasing those A times.

Starting with the first one of the day is usually easiest. Try increasing by 15 mins every 3/4 days. Consistently. Stick with it. If it seems to be too much for LO (as it can be for some) consider increasing by 5 min increments instead :) give bay a go for the next few days. See how it works for you :)

Also the 4 month regression changes things around a bit but hopefully things will settle for you soon! There is a GS at the 4 mth mark! Hang in there! I think they start dropping from here on out ;) ...well, I mean, not so back to back as he first 4 months ;)

Xo
Fabi






Offline Scottishmummy

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #15 on: May 16, 2016, 19:21:14 pm »
That's all true but some LOs take  a bit longer to get up to 2hrs A time, and some like shorter A time at start of the day. Getting 2hrs at end of day suggest he's gradually transitioning to longer A times.

It's great that he's settling in the cot. I'd try the following to extend nap in the first place:
How do I address habitual wakings? (wake-to-sleep and other methods)

If that doesn't work then you might want to try pushing A times a bit more, as FPT23 suggests.
"Touchy/Spirited" DS


"Textbook" DD



Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #16 on: May 22, 2016, 08:18:42 am »
Hi

He is 4 months this week. Still not found a method that works for us. I'm exhausted he is exhausted and all I want tp do is him to lie next to me and fall asleep.  So tough. 

Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #17 on: May 22, 2016, 15:13:24 pm »
I'm so sorry :(

Many hugs!!

What has been happening?
Fabi






Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #18 on: May 22, 2016, 19:37:34 pm »
His feeds have reduced and he's not interested in feeding that much. Also the naps have become a battle so I have had him in the sling again even in the sling he wakes after 50 mins.

I'm tried todau to follow his lead more than clock watching as it's become an unhealthy obsession of mine. This is how our day went

5.00 awake feed back to sleep
7.30 awake
Play feed
9.15 nap
9.45 awake very cranky
Play feed
11.45 roughly nap
12.25 awake
Play feed- very cranky
13.30 nap sling went for a walk
14.30 play feed
16.45 nap while nursing he doesn't do this he hardly ever relaxes while nursing- chats, and sometimes gets annoyed with my flow
17.15 awake
18.15 start night routine bath massage
18.45 feed- wasn't interested just wanted to comfort suck
19.15- 20.00 slept but woke a lot and needed to rock him back
Will wake for 2 more feeds at night and I will have tp rock him back to sleep

Your help would be great xxx

Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #19 on: May 23, 2016, 03:57:38 am »
Hi there, so sorry your still struggling with naps. It is very common however.. I'm struggling myself ;) hang in there! They are tough! Between 0-3 months they work on extending their night hours. 3-6 they work on their day sleep and extending naps. Even then, after that you have to handle nap transitions and teething... So much fun isn't it ;) many hugs and know your not alone!

First thing I see is his nap lengths. He took a 30 min first nap which to me normally means over tired. Perhaps he personally does prefer a shorter A time in the morning. Many do, and longer A times twds the afternoons (assuming good naps of course as well through out the day) Have you tried to extend the nap? When he wakes, go in and soothe him back to sleep to continue napping/help through the sleep cycle? I do suggest trying that when/if you can.

I also noticed that after the short 30 min nap, his A time was 2 hours. After short naps such as your morning one, he will definitely be OT. It makes sense that his next A time will need to be reduced and a low key A time might be helpful to prevent too much OS with an already cranky OT baby.

As far as the naps while nursing and/or as you mentioned "wasn't interested" in nursing, could very well be from all the OT from his day. If it is unlike him to nap at the breast, he must've been tired, yk? I know my baby, when he's OT, takes in less of a feed bc he's so tired. He doesn't eat as efficiently. That is why BW suggests the EAS routine... Normally after a baby wakes it is when they are most active or "up" so they clearly eat best than say, when they are tired and falling asleep on the breast/bottle, kwim?

I would suggest that you cut back your A times after these short naps and try to help resettle if possible to lengthen the naps. For example, he went from 14:30-16:45 A time ...that's a 2 hr 15 min A time which for a barely 4 month old, is too long of awake time. Especially considering all the short naps of the day and the OT that was built, yk? Average A times for a 4mo is 1 hr 45- 2hrs; just keep in mind, after short naps you reduce the following A time to prevent too much OT. By the end of the day, A times may be cranky. It happens often though and it's hard, I know but before you know it, you'll be in a stage where you will be capping naps! ;)

For the next few days work on that and keep us posted! Many positive vibes your way! Xo!
Fabi






Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #20 on: June 07, 2016, 15:15:26 pm »
Hi Guys,

just an update- still really struggling! feel awful for not knowing what my baby wants!

I am even considering a sleep consultant but this is money I dont really have.... but need something I can stick to and get the support.

I have been stretching his awake time but he still is not letting go.

- his cues are not obvious to me at all. when he does rub his eyes its usually too late and he would be on my shoulder when I’m starting to put him to sleep
- feeds are all over place
-very sensitive sleep- we have to tip toe around when he is sleeping
- fights naps ALOT. will start crying full on as soon as i start trying, looking around everywhere in the darken room. I have been doing PUPD and when its time to put down he starts crying straight away- arching his back and arms shaking in the air. Shh pat does not work on him
-I can’t do much, such as visit cafes or meet friends as he kicks off as he can’t get to sleep in his pushchair or in my arms. I do baby classes and have to leave straight after the class as he starts crying.
- wakes crying most of the time
- when he does go down for his nap which can take 1 hour these days he will nap 30 mins- 40 mins or yesterday after doing pupd for an hour he slept for 1.5 hours
- we have a great night time routine but still doesn’t go down without a battle. He wakes around 2-3 times at night for a feed, but does do down straight after a little feed. Does a long stretch 4 hours then its 3 hours and 2 hours.
- He has had the habit in the early days since he was 3 weeks sleeping in the sling while we paced around the house pating him, but we have reached our limit as we couldn’t even sit down!
- He likes being in the pushchair, but as soon as I think he gets tired he starts crying full on, i HAVE WALKED WITH HIM FOR 40 MINS CRYING! and he hasn’t ‘let go'
- he will sleep in the sling if I go for a walk, but now he wakes as he gets hot i think.
- his awake time he is very needy, requires me to entertain him or he starts fussing, I am aware there is a lot going on for him in this month and have heard of sleep regression but I want to help him through it.
- refuses the dummy
- when he does sleep he likes to have his face in the muslin- not sure why but I think its comforting.

I have become very sensitive and get very upset as well as angry as I am sick of obsessing over his sleep. I doubt myself for not knowing what my baby wants.

I would like to know while I’m sleep training can I still organise things to go with him to? like I have a baby sensory class on fridays at 11am, how does sleeping training work when you have to get on with life?

Before I go and pay £500 for a sleep consultant I would really really appreciate someone giving me advice and a plan for my now 19 week baby

Please help. x

Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #21 on: June 07, 2016, 19:27:31 pm »
Hi and I'm so sorry for your struggles. Hugs!

How old is your LO now? Can you try and layout your EAS for us? See if there is something we can tweak or work on? :(

I don't know how you do things but personally, my approach second time around is a bit different. Maybe it can help ease you a bit for now. If I can't get DS2 to nap, and/or it takes more than 20 mins to nap him or resettle him... I stop. I also don't expect long naps for now at least until he's older... They can't handle much A time and sometimes it's not enough A time for a long nap as opposed to 8+ month old babies who have like 4hr A times and naturally are more tired. It really is a process. If you feel you need a sleep consultant, then do what you feel you need. I remember I felt the same with DS1 and the truth is, I found all the help I needed right here. I swear. The sleep will get better I promise you that much. If I'm having a bad nap day, I leave the house! No thanks. There are times I purposely avoid being at home so I don't focus on another nap ::) ....naps will go one day. The work will lessen! Many hugs and hang in there!

As far as sleep training and having plans-- maybe you can focus one solid week on removing any props baby may have and gently help her find another way to sleep/sleep independently. Will it be too much if you miss one class? Or even so, plan ahead before Friday comes around? ....sleep training is not as long and horrid as it may seem! He might surprise you. Why don't you layout a plan- start with working on his routine a bit better... Sometimes that's all it takes! :) ...if things haven't improved, point out your babies props... Paci, swaddle, rocking to sleep/movement, etc... Then you can work on weaning one thing at a time.

If he's fighting naps and your taking over an hour to nap- it can mean a lot of things. If you can please try to write your EASY and show us. Maybe one of us can help some :) as far as being "needy" when he's awake.. That too can mean different things. Maybe he needs extra stimulation or less! Maybe he's tired too. I know my LO when he seems that way, he's OT. I need to carry him and distract a lot! Again, try and post your day. The best you can.

Many hugs and I hope things get easier. It can be tricky sometimes but I promise it gets better! That's for sure-- but expect things to change when they do get better haha ::) the joys! Try not to focus so much on all of the sleep too. Short naps are common during this time. Hope this helps! Xoxoxoxo
Fabi






Offline Scottishmummy

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #22 on: June 07, 2016, 20:28:54 pm »
Offering support too, and echoing everything FPT23 said. Your LO sounds very similar to how my DS was and I beat myself up about his sleep...& did pay for a sleep consultant..who told me just to accept the short naps and try not to stress too much about them!

Your DS sounds similar to mine as a baby. Do you think he might be a "touchy" baby?
The BW "Know Your Baby Quiz"

Touchy babies can get overstimulated really easily and then struggle to wind down for naps.  They need a really good wind down routine.
One of the things that made a difference for my DS was a longer wind down before naps & bed, so starting quiet activities 30 min before a nap and an hour before bed, then doing sleep wind down 15 mins before nap.  He also needed a very dark room (black out blind and curtains) & white noise.
If he likes the muslin, would a comforter in his cot help too?

Please look after yourself & be kind to yourself too, all this shall pass. I didn't believe this when people said it to me, but it did and DS is a good sleeper now (but still v grumpy when tired!)
"Touchy/Spirited" DS


"Textbook" DD



Offline Scottishmummy

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #23 on: June 08, 2016, 05:51:40 am »
Another thought ...

My DS' tired signs were also unreliable- by the time he yawned it was too late. I had to go by the clock & judge "right" A time by him settling fairly quickly (within 15-20mins) rather than nap length as he also took short naps until he was 6 or 7mo. I tried everything it had to just go with it in the end and do a routine with 4 short naps. However, spending time getting his WD and A times right worked in the end as he did start settling more easily extending his naps when he got older.
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Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #24 on: June 08, 2016, 08:01:13 am »
Thank you for his support. Means so much.

I do also think I need to go by the clock as his tired signs are very unreliable. 

It's difficult for me to do a EASY example as I have not really been doing this as his feeding has been all over the place.

He wakes at 6.30 but only fed an hour ago.
Then we play, change and I try to stretch his awake time to 2 hours. 20 mins before I take him to his room to unwind play relaxing music, gradually close the curtains,  then I walk and pat to him for 10 mins then I start pupd. At the moment I leave him for 9 minutes then gp back in pick up and calm him then try again. I carry on doing this for an hour and sometimes he won't sleep so ill try again once I see a to red sign or he gets cranky. If he sleeps it will be 40 mins
9.30 Then awake for 2 hours but sometimes he is even ok with 3 hours but I try to head out for his nap in the sling as he 11.30-12.30- would do 1.5 hours
2pm Awake and play then ill try for the most difficult afternoon nap again pupd for an hour.
4 pm nap attempt usually very short
5pm he cluster feeds a lot.
Depending if he slept in the afternoon I would start bedtime at 6. If he did sleep I start at 7.
Bed by 7-7.30
Wakes for feed at 12 goes straight back to sleep
Wakes for another feed at 3
Wakes for another feed at 5
Then up at 6.30

Sorry it's all over the place but I really try to fit 3 naps in.

I would love to get a suggestion of EASY I can follow. Xxx

Offline weaver

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #25 on: June 08, 2016, 10:28:13 am »
Hi there,
At the moment I leave him for 9 minutes then gp back in pick up and calm him then try again.
I'd be concerned about this - please don't watch the clock, listen to his cry. If he's crying with an 'I need you cry' then respond immediately, if he's just chatting to himself, then he's fine.  But watching the clock for a set number of minutes before responding is Controlled Crying and it is not something we support on BW.  Tracy said that 'crying is communication' so we listen and respond :)

Sorry you're having such a tough time.  Will come back later and see if I can help a bit more ((hugs)) for stress
*Anne*, loving mama to a honeybee (2010) and a sweetpea (2012).  BF for 4 proud years.


Offline Scottishmummy

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #26 on: June 08, 2016, 19:01:19 pm »
So you're usually getting 2 short naps (1st & 3rd) & a longer 2nd nap? That's actually a pretty good routine at that age and typical for some babies.

I notice you're using PUPD to get to sleep.  It seems to be taking a very long time to get him to settle.  I think you must both be getting wound up with an hr of PUPD. I wonder whether PUPD might be too stimulating for him, especially if he's a touchy one? Would he fall asleep if you continued patting or holding him but in the cot? (Sh-pat approach) That's what I had to do for my DS (with some APOP rocking thrown in at least in early months, I have to admit) & avoids the leaving to cry.

1st nap- you say you try to stretch him to 2hrs.  Do you think he's tired before then? Wondering whether he's OT for nap? 2hrs is at lower end of average for his age though, so other possibility is that he needs slightly longer for that first A, especially if he can go up to 3hrs later in the day.

3rd nap- He will soon be at the age he drops this, this might be why it's so hard to get it.  I think it's ok to APOP this one in the sling or however he will sleep easily as it's only a short CN to get to bed and will go soon anyway.

I think it's trying to untangle whether his not going to sleep is due to A times or support to sleep. The sleep consultant I saw suggested doing one-two days of all naps in the sling, just to get an idea of right A times.  A couple of days of sling naps won't make any long term difference to sleep training and gives you both a break. Once you get your A times, we can look at how best to teach him to settle independently

Xxx



"Touchy/Spirited" DS


"Textbook" DD



Offline Gappyranks

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #27 on: June 09, 2016, 08:12:02 am »
Hi.

So I have realised my baby is a spirited 19 week boy. Sh pat really doesn't work for him. We had 3 out 4 success with pupd yesterday but I went up early and re all relaxed him and sang to him before I put him in his bed. However it's always a 40 min nap and he wakes up crying so he is still tired. I tried to carry on pupd but he wasn't having it and as soon he calmed and I put him down he would cry so it wasn't a success at all. How can I extend his naps?

He still really struggles to be awake for over 2 hours- he just starts crying and for the first time gave me a few tired cues.

Xx

Offline weaver

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #28 on: June 09, 2016, 12:00:32 pm »
It'd be really helpful if you could post the timings that go with what you describe above.
*Anne*, loving mama to a honeybee (2010) and a sweetpea (2012).  BF for 4 proud years.


Offline FPT23

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Re: Napping issues since 4 weeks now 15 weeks!!!
« Reply #29 on: June 09, 2016, 16:23:22 pm »
Hii! As weaver mentioned, times would be great to list! As I had also mentioned, if you can, for the next few days jot down your easy. It can let us see more into the routine and we can try to throw some help your way! :) ....remember, A time is eyes open, eyes closed too.

If you have a spirited LO, then those tired signs can also mean he needs more stimulation and is bored! Or he could also be over stimulated as well! Sometimes at that age, tired signs can mean they need a change of scenery. If they get fussy sitting or laying in one spot, try switching his location or view. Maybe he wants moms attention too; try walking around the house with him talking etc.

Also, how long before the nap do you attempt PU/PD ? And how long is it lasting before it "works" ? It's possible that PU/PD is taking some time and getting him OT by the time he's down and settled/asleep, know what I mean? Keep that in mind ;) ..it can be extending his A time.

Please try your best to jot 1-2 days for us. Come back and let us have a peek! Hugs! Xoxo

:)
Fabi