A routine change for my super-busy boy

[4isstillnighttime]

Keep going!! It's so tough, I am incredibly sympathetic. I'm never very useful at these things....but we had some awful sleep when we started solids. I did BLW so the volumes weren't huge but my baby went off feeding in the day a bit because mealtimes were just so interesting, and needed more NF for a bit. He also got quite constipated as I think (TMI!!) he really disliked the sensation of passing a more solid stool. I think that maybe it's just such a lot to think about for them, and maybe the BLW makes it more disruptive because they are learning all the new skills of pincer grip etc at the same time.

Don't know if that helps, because you obviously can't just keep him on milk forever  but it's just a BTDT!!

[michaeljacknnugg]

I did wonder about that being a factor. I brougt dinner forward today and made sure he had no 'new substances' that late. Yesterday he had strawberries which he LOVED, but I don't know if his tummy did.

He is like a bottomless pit right now! No dirty nappy today, which worries me a bit.

[michaeljacknnugg]

Another 'urgh' night  and we are both exhausted.

Slept well at first, fed 11.30 and then again at 02.30. Then he was coughing so much he was sick. I held him and tried to keep him asleep until 03.30, then took him through (asleep) to DH in the other room so I could change the cot sheet and use the toilet. Whereupon the silly man put him down to go to the toilet himself and woke him up! Not pleased is a very polite way of putting it.

Eventually back to sleep in his cot, 04.00-06.30.

[michaeljacknnugg]

Today:
Wake 06.30
Nap (patted, cried hard as soon as I put him down) 09.20-10.40. Resettled with feeding
Nap (independent, went off fairly quickly) 13.20-14.00. Wouldn't resettle.
Asleep for the day 06.10.

I wonder why it's easier to get an independent nap for that second one??

[*Liz*]

I think it is likely because that first nap is just not very set yet. I would just carry on as you are - it seems as though it is coming!!

[michaeljacknnugg]

Yes, I do think it is coming. We've had independent afternoon naps all week, despite some pretty ropey nights.

Just when I needed it, really. I was starting to get really fed up of having to stay with him for all of his naps.

[michaeljacknnugg]

Oh, he is a stinker!!

Today he had a good long morning nap, and then off we went to our local craft market and then the park for a picnic. Daddy took him for a walk at nap time, no joy. Car ride, ditto. Attempted to feed to sleep when we got home, and he just got really cross. So I gave up and got him up for a bit. He finally crashed at 4pm, 2.5hrs after his normal nap time! And of course he's fought bedtime as well, even though he looks exhausted.

I surmise from this that he will only sleep if it's boring. Honestly!!

[*Liz*]

None of mine ever did well on the go from this sort of age. Just the way it is, really. It is a pain for the 2 naps a day routine, but isn't a big deal from one nap onwards. Thomas will fall asleep on the way home from wherever we have been, but I can usually transfer him no problem now.

[michaeljacknnugg]

I am getting to the end of my tether 

Again, tried for an hour this morning and he was having none of it. Looked like he would go several times, so I persisted, but after 45mins I had to leave him and go into the other room and let off steam. Last night I couldn't put him down until 10pm so I went to bed without brushing my teeth. Again. I am so fed up of being stuck in a darkened room, but what is the alternative if he won't sleep elsewhere?

Why won't he sleep? I need some time off, I can't do this forever.

[Martini~]

Hi Hon, would like some additional eyes? If yes can you please update where you are right now with independent sleep and routine?

[michaeljacknnugg]

Yes please!

We are aiming for set naps at 9 and 1.30, day length of 12hrs. He usually wakes between 6.30 and 7.

I thought we had cracked it last week. Self settled for all afternoon naps plus the morning and at bedtime on Friday. And now we are back to this.

Bedtimes are often a case of him conking out on the breast and then needing to be held until he's in a deep sleep. That's another thing I'd like to tackle, in time.

[Martini~]

Isn't 9 a bit too early for a 6mo, especially LSN? I mean for some kiddos it won't be, but for some it will be I guess. You were previously on 2 naps but short morning one much later?

[michaeljacknnugg]

Goodness knows! It was working, he was going off quite happily any time between 8.45 and 9.15.

He's always slept later because we've been out and about. And now it seems he won't sleep on the go at all.

[grace annes mommy]

And now it seems he won't sleep on the go at all.

J isn't sleeping on the go anymore either.  It's a drag but as Liz reminded us, once they get to 1 nap it's not as big a deal.

Maybe he's had another A time push and the set times aren't working now?  I'm finding J is shifting every week or 2.  I can't keep up!

[Martini~]

He could be catching up or anything similar, but 9 could be definitely too early for a kiddo that age. I would think of moving that nap to a set time but later so 9:30? Or even 10:00 if at 9:30 he will be tired. If needed I would also push a second nap so ie 9:30 and 1:30 or 2:00. Wdyt?