Sleep Questions

Rebis58 · May 2014

I'm sorry, I know these topics have been beaten to death so if you're sick of talking about it feel free to skip it. I should probably search other posts for my answers... but so tired I-)

I have two questions:

First, for those moms who have gotten through the sleep regression/wakeful period - any strategies you used to help LO get through it and get back into a decent sleep pattern? I know all babies are different so I'm not expecting miracles, just wondering if there are any things I can try. (DD used to sleep 5-7 hours per night followed by two 2-3 hour stretches, is now up every 1-3 hours at night) Is there anything I can do or do I basically have to let it run it's course?

Second, for moms whose LOs used to need to be rocked to sleep but now can go down awake or drowsy and fall asleep - how did you make the change? I've rocked DD to sleep since the beginning. I know you're not "supposed" to but it's what worked, so that's what I did. I've read that the time to break this habit is from 3-6 months because after 6 months it is a nightmare to break. I've done some reading but haven't found specific strategies or plans to wean DD from being rocked to sleep. Last night I tried to put her down drowsy and her eyes popped wide open, and she took forever to settle again. Any suggestions? What worked for you?

sugarland726 · May 2014

We use a lovey and the FP seahorse to put LO to sleep drowsy but awake. We're still transitioning from the swaddle so this is a work in progress.

ababymaybe · May 2014

My understanding is the regression isn't so much a regression but a developmental change in how they sleep. Things like nursing to sleep can become problematic as they wake up needing that to fall asleep again etc.

With my first the only solution was to ST and get rid of sleep crutches. This LO isn't quite 4mo and is STILL (!!!) sick so I can't tell what is going on sleep wise.

Rebis58 · May 2014

Oh yea, that's another point. We still use a swaddle. DD has started to squirm her arms out of it but when I tried to leave an arm out or both arms out it was a disaster and she would wake up as soon as I put her down. At midnight I finally swaddled both arms and she stayed asleep for a couple of hours

SandFHasse · May 2014

DS used to fall asleep in the bouncer drinking a bottle, but now he likes to sleep on his side. I feed him his bottle, lay him on his side, pop a wubbanub in his mouth and pat his butt. He's usually out in 10 minutes after he finishes the bottle. Then he wakes up around 2 and 4 for a bottle.

Rebis58 · May 2014

ababymaybe said:

My understanding is the regression isn't so much a regression but a developmental change in how they sleep. Things like nursing to sleep can become problematic as they wake up needing that to fall asleep again etc. With my first the only solution was to ST and get rid of sleep crutches. This LO isn't quite 4mo and is STILL (!!!) sick so I can't tell what is going on sleep wise.

@ababymaybe what is ST?

nevermind - sleep train

MrsW062610 · May 2014

Sleep regression - just get through it. Ours lasted 10-12 days. It sucks, but slowly gets better. And all of a sudden you're excited about 6 hours of straight sleep again LOL

ST - We just started drowsy, but awake in her crib a few weeks ago. Put her down, give paci and a small stuffed animal for her to cuddle. When she cries, we put paci back in, give stuffed animal again and shush and put hand on her chest until she settles down. Then leave. It's been working pretty well - had a few nights of no wake-ups and some with a few wake-ups. But we rarely pick her up to comfort her...just give her paci and stuffed animal and she usually calms down. Do what works best for your baby and your family. good luck!

bethughknee · May 2014

We are suffering through and trying to make better habits. FTM so no idea if it works. I'm working on using a lovey but am not comfortable leaving it in the RnP over night so there's that. I still nurse to sleep, most nights. From what I've read, some babies don't even learn to self soothe until around 6 months and I can't force it so whatever. A rare night here and there DD will put herself to sleep and sometimes I just have to be in the room with her until she does. Others she needs to be nursed or rocked. Everyday is different because she's a human being. Sometimes I need to watch something to fall asleep, other nights I'm just out, sometimes I like the fan. I figure it's similar to that.

I also don't call it a regression. It's a PROGRESSION toward adult like sleep phases. I'm nit picky. Sue me.

Rebis58 · May 2014

Thanks ladies, I appreciate all the responses. I'll try some of these tips as we feel ready. Last night my strategy was to decrease the movements I use to rock her to sleep. Usually I rock her in the glider while also bouncing her and/or patting her bum, so last night once she was drowsy I stopped rocking and bouncing her and just patted her bum until she fell asleep. I thought maybe once she's used to falling asleep without movement, it might be easier for her to fall asleep in her crib. Who knows... this is a tough stage!

bethughknee · May 2014

@Rebis58 I've also found myself trying to let some crutches go. It's tough when my instinct has been to do ALL THE MOVEMENTS that get her to sleep but you're right, the less she needs the better. I agree, this stage is tough. Having a newborn is exhausting but it's always all, "You can't spoil her! Just do whatever works!" Now I'm treading a fine line between surviving and creating bad habits. No me likey.

Rebis58 · May 2014

@bethughknee that's exactly it! I'm used to being in "survival mode" and now I have to actually think about what we do and how it will effect us/her in the coming months.

Not sure why this is underlined, and can't figure out how to get rid of it...

bethughknee · May 2014

@Rebis58 The underlining just makes it seem that much more important.

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