Daytime sleep ??

[breebreesmum]

Hi Everyone,

How do I get my 16mth old to go to sleep by herself during the day. She has been having one sleep (after lunch) for sometime now, but for a few months has decided to kick up such a stink at this time that I have to resort to taking her for a dirve, and she will fall asleep after about 5-10 min. I am so sick of this. Please help. :)

[Lachlan's Mum]

Hi there

My bub is only 11 1/2 weeks old, but we were having problems with day time sleep also - resulting in him being up almost all day (unless I nursed/rocked him to sleep - and couldn't then put him down!) and screaming with tiredness all afternoon. He is a reflux baby also.

I had a child health nurse come two Sundays (whilst dad was home too to learn) - and this sounds harsh and is the hardest thing ever - but you just have to put them to bed...and go in and comfort them whenever they can't settle themselves - as bub will start crying as soon as they realise you've left the room. It is not exactly controlled crying - you don't leave it a specific time or anything - just when the crying is stressed and maintained (ie cannot settle themselves). Anyway, they are meant to learn to settle and put themselves to sleep. Our bub is just getting better - took about 2 weeks....very hard I think I did just as much crying :(

But now I see a happier baby, who is eating better and his awake time is better quality! I can get stuff done now he is sleeping a bit and then can spend his awake time just with him :D

Anyway, I don't know if your bub will be too old for this - but I doubt it because our bub is really smart/alert and as it is a learning process then your bub should be fine. Maybe get some help from someone (CHN) in your area.

Ours (CHN) says BE CONSISTENT AND PERSISTENT. easier said than done though! :p Good luck

[Lachlan's Mum]

Hi again,

I just noticed that you are in the Aspley area (I think!) and so am I. Anyway, our CHN is Rene Rees and she visits the Aspley Medical Centre Pharmacy on Tuesday mornings 10 am to 1pm to offer free assistance. She charges for the home visits - but your could start at the Pharmacy..... ;)