I've just read the book Contented Little Baby Book.
A woman at my MG uses that book - and she's used it from the first week. And now her baby is in a constant routine. I want to have a look at that book too. I might see if it's at my local library. And happy 6 months to Byron! I can't believe how fast time is flying!

csab - I hope your mum is doing OK. Oh and if you can get V to talk to Maya about sleeping better that would be great. And yes we give Maya a bath before bed but after the bath she cries so we don't give her a massage. I think she hates being cold after the bath. Maya has some favourite toys and teddys but she never falls asleep on her own. That's what I'm hoping to achieve - have Maya learn to get to sleep on her own.

Sami - That's great that the MCHN came to your place for an afternoon. I think they also visited kuraiza. I rang them first for help and all they did is told me to ring Tweddle @ home and other sleep centres. Also I must say I am glad to know that I am not the only one who has struggled. And I think part of my struggle is being so isolated from family and friends. I take my hat off to women who can do this role on their own! I feel like a bit of a failure that I can't manage it all on my own when there are so many capable women out there with more than one child and no support and they manage fine.

Sleeping bags - I was given a snugtime and I am trying it out for some sleeps. I have also started to wrap Maya with her arms out. A book I was reading suggested that at 4 months to stop wrapping so that they can have access to their hands and use them to self settle. So far using the bag hasn't made any difference to her sleep. But it's easier to put on and off than wrapping.

I forgot to mention the other day that I'm also sick at the moment. So that's not helping things. It's just a virus - sore throat, snotty, achy, bleh. But that makes it harder to deal with things. It's been a week now and I hope it goes away soon!!

I rang the MCHN helpline for the first time looking for advice and they were so helpful! I don't know why I never thought to ring that number before! The MCHN said I was probably putting Maya down too often (when she's not tired). And the signs I am taking as her tired signs could be bored signs instead - I really am no good at seeing tired signs. Anyway, I am now leaving her up longer and she seems to be going to sleep quicker and staying asleep longer. But she does get cranky after being up for a while. Still that's easier to deal with than spending an hour getting her to go to sleep!!

I borrowed The Wonder Weeks from the library and I absolutely love it and highly recommend it. Even if you don't believe in the wonder weeks theory it's got heaps of useful advice on things you can do to help babies with their progress - e.g. holding a toy behind them so they roll over - and it has age appropriate games to play and toys they might like. It's been so good for me cos I have no clue what to do with babies! And I love that it's age appropriate, it's all suggestions not 'you should be doing this' and the games are easy to find in the book. I wish I'd found this book earlier!!