Trying to decide on routine

[Scrapbooker]

So, here's the dilemma (not too bad of one, but a tough decision for me)...

We are currently doing very well with naps, night sleep, etc. (yeah, it took a while) and even with independent sleeping with my 3 month old DD.  She is basically fed 6 AM, 9,12,3,6,8something then bath/book/bed that gets her to bed around 9:30 or so.  She sleeps until the AM without a dreamfeed (never has had one) and seems quite happy during the day, etc.  But, I have been reading that it this bedtime is way too late.  So, I thought I should have the last feed at 6, then try a dreamfeed around 9:30 (so I could get to bed on time too) and get on that schedule if she did well so she's have a better bedtime. 

My question is why try to fix what doesn't seem to be broken.  We are finally doing really well and will have to transition to 4 hour EASY in another month anyway.  Eating-wise she'll be ready, but we have to work up her A time slowly before then I think.  But, if this is truly way too late a bedtime and she is not getting enough sleep then I want to do what is best for her.  I looked at the sample EASY's and some went this late, but most posts seem to say it's too late.  Anyway, this is compounded by the one time we've tried this (which I know it will take several nights to see what will really work) last night, she sort of woke during dreamfeed and it lasted 45 minutes and she woke at 3:30 AM (which she hasn't done in a few weeks) which took another 45 minutes or so.  Last night she didn't get any more sleep on the new schedule and she's  ore fussy today and woke up at the 45 minute time from her nap.  Also, my in-laws will be in town for 2 weeks and I don't know if I should be changing anything while they're here.  So, I am officially lacking confidence as to what to do.  My gut tells me to go back to what I was doing as we were both clearly happier with it.  But, not sure.  Any opinions welcome.

Laura

[rebecaq]

Hi Laura! 

First of all, I wouldn't not introduce the DF at 3 months. At this age you could just be creating a problem. 

As for your routine, I do have to say that it's less time than what is written in the books. BUT I sleep only 5 hours, I feel icky if I sleep more. What I'm trying to say is that some babies sleep more, some sleep less. If she is happy and content with her prior routine, is eating well, and growing well, then my dear

My question is why try to fix what doesn't seem to be broken.

   <-------- don't 

- Beca 

[shimzy]

Laura - I totally agree with rebeca

My daughter was sleeping through back then on a 3 hour easy and for some stupid reason I thought it was time for more awake time. So then we ended up in a big spinning circle of mess because I had her all messed up and overtired and it starts a big vicious cycle - then she went furiously into the growth spurt and teething and things have never been the same since.

If it aint broke, dont fix it!! lol

[rebecaq]

 

[Scrapbooker]

Thanks so much for the quick replies.   I have a tough time making a decision on this and really enjoyed much more last week with the good sleep, etc.  I guess I got a little kooky with the guilt of keeping her up, but she seemed to be thriving.

[Scrapbooker]

Also, she does get another full nap (1hr15 mins-1 1/2 hours) in addition to her 3 1/2 recommended naps.  So, the sleep ends up about the same as she takes a while to get back to sleep.

[binxyboo]

I think it's easy to stress over sleep esp., but I find it's helpful to keep in mind that it's more than the hours of sleep your lo gets, what's most important to how she functions on the sleep she's getting.

As the pp said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. You may find as your lo gets older, things will naturally change and you may end up with an earlier bedtime. For now, I'd roll with it if your lo is happy