Babies Born February 2008 #5

[Jacki]

Sue - do you also put a blanket over DD or just the sleeping bag and wrap ?

[Sueby]

Hi Jacki,

I have the sleeping bag, then the wrap and then sheet and blanket. Her cot is made up like a bed so I just put her in her wrap under the sheet and blanket. It is so cold here at night and I try to avoid having the central heating on all night!

Both sleeps today she has gone to sleep dressed and then wrapped in muslim wrap with sheet and blanket. When I get her up she has both arms out so I think she is nearly ready to not be wrapped.

Hope this helps
Sue

[jenjams]

We put Amber in her sleeping bag then a flanelette sheet then a cot quilt.

[Sueby]

Hi Everyone,

That fabulous face cream I was telling you about for dribble rash, teething rash can be bought from David Hoskings Pharmacy Essendon. I re-ordered some today for DD and they have a website -- if you Google Hoskings Pharmacy all the info should be there. It was $20 for a 100g jar ( including postage ) -- I bought the 200g jar last time and didn't make a dent and now it is out of date!! It is the lavendar face cream
BBL DD is awake

Sue

[Bun]

Hi guys.

Jacki - I was wrapping DD then stopped and then just started again thinking that maybe she is getting cold at night and that is why she won't sleep. But then I phoned ngala (the sleep experts!) yest and they said not to, so now I am going to stop again!

ash - how are you going sweetie?

jen - I saw your video of Ameber in her JJ - so cute!!

esme - hope you are having a good time.

sueby & katkins - I have no idea how you guys cope! I find I am so busy and get nothing done with only one little one to look after! Good on you guys, you are doing a really good job.

Well, despite trying some rice cereal last night to see if that would help, DD is still not sleeping well. She loved the rice cereal and had a full feed afterwards before bed too, but still woke up at the usual midnight and then would not go back to sleep unless we let her sleep with us. I really don't want to start this habit, but there is no other way that we can get some sleep! DH doesn't seem to think it is a problem and any time I need a break and ask him to get up to her during the night and use expressed milk or to just give her to me to feed and then get her back to bed, he just lets her sleep on him and doesn't even try putting her down! I worry that we will never get over this.

I have phoned all the sleep helplines so many times and do everything they say, yet still, she won't sleep on her own at that time. Sometimes she will during the day and other times not and I have no idea what else to do. I am starting to get really depressed about it. I am always sleep deprived and feel like a really bad mother. I get impatient with her because I am trying so hard for no gain and I am so tired all the time and I just don't know what to do. It seems that every other baby is better by this age except her! It is really starting to get to me.

[RoyaUK]

Hi Bun
you ARE doing a fantastic job. Food may not be the answer to her unsettled time. She is probably going through a big development period and perhaps she's telling you she needs some more closeness to you right now. It could be anything - oral development, some motor skill she's developing....I wouldn't worry about 'habits' forming.

Once she's over this little period, she will start sleeping better. Whilst she's going through this stage, can you wear her in a sling during the day? she may sleep in it and you can get about, go for a walk and feel free of trying to settle her all the time?

I found with DD1, 'habits' about sleep really only started to stick much much later - around 11 or 12 months. Up till then she was pretty maleable. she was in and out of our bed all the time but once she started being big enough to kick me all night long, we decided to keep her in the cot. Plus once you think they've mastered something (e.g. settling down themselves) they then go through a big developmental period and it all changes again.

I find especially with DD2 that i can really only give her a max of 20 mins to get her off to sleep as DD1 runs round the house. If she isn't off to sleep, then i stop trying and get on with the day and the next activity (e.g. lunch, washing etc). If we go out for a walk then she may just drop off herself. Otherwise, i may just put her in the sling and keep on with whatever we need to do.

Is this a possibility for you? or can you spend a day or so just snuggled in bed together and leave the housework? you may be able to get a bit more rest and she'll probably feel wonderful being close to you.

Keep your chin up. They're only babies for such a small period of time and this difficult time will pass quicker than you think.

[prama]

quick one, about to head otu the door.

those bubs already rolling and on their tummy, do they move their legs as if wanting to crawl. is this a natural reflex or an attempt to crawl. poopy has been doing it. im not ready for him to crawl yet, nor is the house!

so sorry will do personals later.

bun - xoxoxxo lots of love.