E.A.S.Y. method-help!

mrscountry527

So I'm halfway through the book Secrets of the Baby Whisperer, and I'm starting to doubt if it will work for me. All of the author's examples of couples she's worked with imply that they have only one child that they are trying to implement the EASY method for. It seems like the whole thing, so far, is geared toward an only child. Well, DD is 1.5yrs and she is on a good routine. The problem is, I can already see that it might not work for DS. I can't put all my attention towards getting DS on the EASY routine-DD has a routine she needs to stick to too. Also, I'm finding it hard to do activity after eating, DS just wants to sleep and eat still. And You time? That totally doesn't happen when you have more than one child, unless they're both napping-which we haven't gotten to that yet. I just feel like it's meant for a single child household and that it won't help my situation. Anyone else been able to make it work for children 17mos apart in age? It's not like I can tell DD to go play by herself while I tend to DS needs-she's not that independent yet and enjoys playing with us. I am going to finish the book and give it a fair shot so any tips are appreciated!

jettagurl

It has been a l.o.n.g time since I read the book (like 6ish years), so details are not retained in my brain, but why are you wanting to change her schedule? Isn't she down to one nap now? Or close?  

Keep it independent.  The point, IMO, is not making the baby's sleep dependent upon eating - to separate the two, which leads to self-soothing and longer, better naps.  I started all four of mine on this 'routine' initially.  But once they are over like 9 mos or so, it's moot.  By then they had fallen into a set nap schedule (10ish and 2 ish) and were able to go to bed awake, but drowsy.  I totally believe that establishing their ability to go to sleep without eating immediately prior has made them all the great sleepers they are today.  

So, it's not about getting the two of your children on the same schedule, it's about establishing a routine appropriate for each. 

If you need things to occupy her while you feed/soothe the baby, get a basket of age-appropriate things that only come out at those times.  Books, crayons/color books, Little People set, baby, etc...something special that she doesn't get to play with at other times. 

 

mrscountry527

Thanks. I wasn't asking about adjusting DD schedule. Just help with getting DS on one without disrupting hers.