We returned from Sydney to UK on Sunday night and have had terrible NWs ever since. I realise it is just going to take time (we were spoilt the last 3 times we have done this journey - no jetlag to speak of) but I would like to know how to help us get back on track.
We have been home 4 nights now and the NWs are getting better but they are still there (he was sleeping thru beautifully before this).
The first night he woke twice (up for 2 hrs at a time), and then the same but at different times night 2. Night 3 he woke twice but we got him back to sleep the first time, then up from 4.30 for the day, last night he woke at 3.30, back to sleep till 4.30 and he was then up from 4.30 till 8.30!!!!
The problem that I (we) have is that when he wakes I can NOT get him back to sleep (for all the AP things I have tried in the past:-) Last night I went back to settling him in his cot and not picking him up and whilst it would get him back to sleep fairly quickly, he would wake 10 mins later crying. This went on for over an hr when I eventually decided to feed him (BF - limited to 5 mins) as he had been very off his food yesterday, which is unusual. I eventually got him up at 6 and BF him and he was WIDE awake and very happy to be out of his cot.
To add to this, he is cruising and started to stand momentarily by himself (limited), and his top 2 teeth look like they are ready to come thru (pain from teeth not a problem previously).
His naps have been a bit all over the place and he has wanted to sleep alot longer (almost like it is night time - which it is in Oz!) but this morning he had his regular 1.45hr nap and has just gone down again (with a bit of a struggle) for his PM nap, which I will limit to 1.25hrs - as I am trying to get him back on track.
I guess my questions are:
1. How long should I expect this jetlag to affect his night time sleep
2. How should I attempt to deal with these wakeful periods of up to 2 hrs when we he will NOT go back to sleep
3. Is it important that I ensure he gets the 'right' amount of sleep in 24hrs (eg 14hrs is about right for him) or should I be looking to get his routine back on track to help the NWs?
I am not sure if you need our usual routine but here it is:
Wake: 6.30
BF: 6.45
Solids: 8am
S: 9am - 10.15/11
BF: 11
Solids: 12-12.30
S: 2-2.30 (3.5hrs A time) for about 1.25hrs
BF: 3.30
Solids: 4.30-5
BF: 6.30-6.45
Bed: 7.15ish
Any advice from those that have had to deal with jetlagged LOs would be great, and any additional advice from the sleeping experts would also be appreciated.
We do this trip 2-3x/year (I am Aussie living with Brit DH in UK) so would like to have a plan of action for next time. I haven't had a chance to deal with my jetlag so as a result I am completely KNACKERED :-)
TIA
Shell
