https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:59:33 +0000 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:11:32 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 11.10 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=30432 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=868609&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#868609 Author: Helen1
Subject: 30432
Posted: 12 December 2009 at 8:11pm

Good luck to you.

Just for the record I honestly thing this is a phase that all babies go through. On reading from these boards and talking to friends we all seem to have gone through the same thing - with slightly different ages.

Also I ensure that Amelia is put to bed reasonably full. She gets a bottle or boob about 15-20 before bed during the day and just before bed at night.

I read that your baby is sleeping quite well at night. Take heart that eventually they don't need a day sleep (so you won't have this worry ongoing) and if they sleep well at night then this will mostly continue.]]> Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:11:32 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=868609&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#868609 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867771&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867771 Author: bun_in_the_oven
Subject: 30432
Posted: 11 December 2009 at 4:06pm

a huge thanks to everyone who replied.. its given me some great ideas and advice..

... wish me luck !]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:06:27 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867771&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867771 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867602&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867602 Author: WestiesGirl
Subject: 30432
Posted: 11 December 2009 at 1:42pm

Great advice SpecialK. Ive tried the re-feeding before going back to bed but may try it at the 45 minute mark instead and see how he goes.

We also play white noise and also classical music. For the white noise I just put the radio between 2 stations and it works a treat

I also found that the more Jackson is stimulated (or over stimulated in our case) during his wake times the harder he is to get to sleep and the less he sleeps during his day naps. So Ive started doing less activities during his wake times.

ETA Spelling

Edited by rianna08]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:42:49 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867602&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867602 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867272&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867272 Author: SpecialK
Subject: 30432
Posted: 11 December 2009 at 8:48am

We had the exact same problem when H was 4 months. I took him to the parent centre who were great, and basically this is what we did:

Feed on waking, then top up feed 45 min later to make sure he has a full tummy.

Watch closely for tired signs and put to bed as soon as you see one, when he is still happy and awake. H could never stay up as long as 'they' say a a baby should, even now he struggles with being up for 2 hours.

Introduce a sleep cue - I stopped wrapping him at 4 months, and his sleep cues became the sleeping bag and a cuddly toy.

Darken the room.

It took a while to work, and for a couple of weeks I had to rock him to sleep in the buggy for all his day sleeps, but we did get there. Even now though, if he is overtired he won't go to sleep by himself and has to be rocked in the buggy.

Good luck, it does get better! It seems to be a phase a lot of babies go through. ]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:48:18 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867272&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867272 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867195&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867195 Author: MrsH
Subject: 30432
Posted: 11 December 2009 at 1:00am

I have decided that one of the reasons it had been so hard to settle DS was that he was hungry. I had been feeding him when he woke up but he'd only feed for 15 minutes or so (sometimes less) and when he came off, I'd burp him and try again. If he still fussed or wasn't interested, I'd assume that he was full and so I wouldn't offer again.

I've now found (and I'm not sure whether this is all a coincidence or not) that if I keep offering during his awake time (once or twice more), he'll take it and as a result, he'd go down alot easier.

I feel a bit guilty about it now but hey, it's all a learning curve.

If you're doing that last feed, I would do it in somewhere other than the bedroom so that he doesn't use it as a sleep cue. Then once he's done, take him to the room, swaddle him etc.

We also have white noise playing (NOT the The Living End song) - Ocean waves downloaded off iTunes. It's only 10 minutes long but I burnt it to disc and have the disc on loop. That plays for every sleep and louder during the day so as to drown out other noises (like lawnmowers and barking dogs etc).

Good luck and hope that helps.]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:00:10 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867195&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867195 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867192&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867192 Author: WestiesGirl
Subject: 30432
Posted: 11 December 2009 at 12:23am

Personally I feed when he wakes to follow feed play sleep routine. But will also feed on his demand as well when I see his cues that he is hungry/thursty?! I dont generally feed to put to sleep and he is a terrible light sleeper so the smallest movement will wake him anyways.
After he wakes from a day nap I try to wait about 20 - 30 minutes or so cos I dont like to feed in less than 2 hours.]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:23:41 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867192&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867192 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867189&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867189 Author: kiwisj
Subject: 30432
Posted: 11 December 2009 at 12:11am

I agree with the ladies above, if you think he is happier having the two smaller feeds then run with that and hopefully it will help.

Personally, I never fed C swaddled as I found it awkward and I had to keep him cool to feed or he would fall asleep and not drink anything (it's warm here and he was prem). So perhaps give it a go feeding unwrapped if you think it will help him drink more before he nods off. C still used to fall asleep on the (.) but it took longer IYKWIM. Then I would wrap him up and pop him in bed and he would stir but only a little ]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:11:46 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867189&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867189 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867159&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867159 Author: HippyMama
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 10:29pm

I'm in the same camp as Mamma2N - I don't believe there is a hard and fast rule in regards to feeding, I feed DD2 when she is hungry or giving me early cues, and when she is ready for a nap at whatever time of the day that may be. I have come to trust and understand my body's ability to make enough milk, and know she is not just 'snacking' either.

I'd also suggest trying a different kind of sling if the Moby is not working for you and bub, my DD probably doesn't really mind what kind of sling she goes in but my personal favorite is a mei tai style sling like the Kozy carrier. For more ideas try www.slingbabies.co.nz

As for swaddling, I guess it is probably obvious but I swaddle before I feed to sleep rather than after.]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:29:45 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867159&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867159 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867115&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867115 Author: Mamma2N
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 9:56pm

bun_in_the_oven wrote: Can you tell me - when should i breastfeed him.. is there any hard and fast rule ??,,,,feed on waking .. before going to bed.. or both ?? he is a bit of a snacker and think he preferes two smaller feeds than the big one. hmmmm also should i breastfeed him first and then swaddle him ?? I have been swaddling him before a B/feed but that means hes falling asleep on the boobies

Now this depends - I personally don't believe in 'snack' feeding. I feed DD whenever she likes, I found this much easier than watching the clock to see if it was *time* for her to feed again (which we did do for all of about 1 week!)
Check out the LLL site - it has lots of good articles that put my mind at ease about the way I feed her (ie. no routine), especially when I felt pressure of the 'professionals' to get her into a routine.
And again - I still feed my DD before every sleep, sometimes she falls asleep, sometimes she'll happily go into her cot afterward and settle herself. Regardless of what some people believe, I don't think that falling asleep on the boob is a bad thing - but then perhaps thats just me I find that having a nice warm milky drink before bed works wonders for me, so why not for my baby!?

Ah LLL site before I forget ]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:56:48 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867115&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867115 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867087&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867087 Author: bun_in_the_oven
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 9:38pm

we have a mobile that plays for aprox 15mins.. it just stimulates him and he wont drift...

... i have a moby sling, hes happy to go in it but not so fond of sleeping in it

... Wine - OH HELL yes.. its my best friend at the end of a long day

...DH has earplugs, eye patch the works !

...when he is awake he is very content and all smiles.

... sleeping 9-11 hours at night if i fill him on an expressed milk bottle around 8pm (which i am totally thankful for)

Come to the conclusion that its just a rough time and maybe as he is starting to sleep more at night hes not needed so much during the day

I am going to relax a bit and just try going with it for a week or so

Can you tell me - when should i breastfeed him.. is there any hard and fast rule ??,,,,feed on waking .. before going to bed.. or both ?? he is a bit of a snacker and think he preferes two smaller feeds than the big one. hmmmm

also should i breastfeed him first and then swaddle him ?? I have been swaddling him before a B/feed but that means hes falling asleep on the boobies

thanks for all your reassurance and advice.. its helped me to relax a little.. as all new mothers find. ... im sure next week will bring 'a new worry'

]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:38:53 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867087&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867087 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867081&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867081 Author: jano1
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 9:35pm

Like everyone has said it will pass, and I'd go with whatever keeps you sane and helps your baby sleep. Don't worry too much about sleep associations, he is still young. Many of us have been there (we have gone through several phases of non sleeping) and just when I am ready to pull my hair out, she changes her patterns.

Letting her sleep on me was a lifesaver as it meant she got more sleep and was a happier baby.

One other thing- I'd try and put him down a bit earlier and see if that makes a difference. I found that the 20min sleeps were a sign of overtiredness and it's like a cycle that they get into.

Hope you have a smoother ride soon

Edited by jano1]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:35:58 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867081&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867081 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867002&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867002 Author: mollycat
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 9:00pm

I've also struggled with this problem. Except that Ryan isn't a great night sleeper either so he was sometimes doing up to 6 or 7 catnaps a day. His reflux was a huge contributor in this but he also just seemed to wake up even though you could tell he was still tired.

My 2 cents worth will not sit well with some people - but have you tried letting him nap on his tummy? On day, in desperation, I laid Ryan down on his tummy to run to the bathroom. I came back out and he was dead asleep and slept for 2 hours which was the longest we'd managed! My other thought is that if he still wakes up after 45 minutes, have you tried giving him a dummy to lull him back into sleep?

If you are willing to give these a try - get him to fall asleep on your arms and then transfer onto his tummy rather than just plunking him there the first time. You can monitor him closely if you are worried. (P.S. Ryan used to HATE tummy time but loved to sleep on his tummy so if he hates tummy time he may not mind sleeping that way)

I've also found that I can usually tell if Ryan will go back to sleep with his dummy after 45 minutes. If he's crying but his head is still on the mattress (tummy sleeper), then he's likely to go back to sleep. If he's crying and has his head raised and looking around - then it's probably all over.

]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:00:11 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=867002&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#867002 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866992&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866992 Author: hannibal
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 8:56pm

I found thesleepstore.co.nz - a great help for tips, I'm also not into books.

The other thing that really, really helped was the Fisher and Price Fish Aquarium - standard mobiles go for on average 2 minutes so mum or dad go in and rewind! The Aquarium plays music or swish sounds (can also have light) for almost 20 minutes, bubs would nod off with this instead of one of us going in every couple of minutes and trying to resettle and her getting excited. ]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:56:35 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866992&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866992 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866985&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866985 Author: Rb73
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 8:55pm

I can't offer any solutions, but yes I'm there too!

Some days we are only getting 30 min naps for some sleeps. As they get older they are more interested in the world. But that said my little girl (4 months) is still all smiles at the end of the day and does (touch wood) go to sleep at night. I'm trying to put her to bed a bit before the 1 1/2 she lasts - that some times works. So I know if she needs to she will sleep longer.

I try not to feed her to sleep if I can, but she's really thirsty in this weather so I have done this occassionally. Some times I think you do have to go with it, if they aren't crying they are probably ok. (Something a control freak like me who thinks they must have big naps   struggles with).

Hang in there. Other people tell me they do get better at sleeping again.
]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:55:35 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866985&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866985 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866955&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866955 Author: HippyMama
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 8:46pm

I know I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but have you tried wearing him in a sling? And I don't mean a frontpack, but a proper sling like a mei tai or SSC? For a six week or so stretch, that was the only place my DD2 (4mo) would sleep for longer than 20 mins during the day. It was agony for the first few days but I eventually got stronger and more used to it, and it also allowed me to get on with my day and chasing around after my 3.5yo DD.

After that it was to my great relief that I discovered she'd sleep lying down in our master bed, so I had to quickly learn to feed her lying down and then try to slip out unnoticed once she was in a deeper sleep (I wouldn't budge until then). I like to think that somehow the smell of us (DH and I) was comforting to her, but it is also quite a dark room and this may have helped too.

I eventually made some haphazard blockout blinds with some fabric from Spotlight, and now if we are home she has most of her day sleeps in her own room, though we still feed to sleep first... I personally don't think we'd get very far if I tried to make her fall asleep before she was done boobing

I know you said you don't want to read "some experts" book, and I agree - some books are overrated. I am also not fond of 'experts' as I reckon the true expert on your baby is *you*... however, I would still highly recommend reading "Sleeping Like a Baby" by Pinky McKay. It has a few strategies you can try but also goes into a lot of the reasons why babies sleep like they do (or not, as may be the case). I found it very reassuring and it helped ease my mind about the way we do things with DD2.

So to sum up my novel... I agree entirely with those who have said to run with it, this too shall pass, etc... as I am learning now the second time around they grow up faster than I can really keep up with, and it is easier to try and be as relaxed as possible. Sometimes with the help of a glass of wine or two at night (still possible with breastfeeding!)



Edited by HippyMama]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:46:09 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866955&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866955 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866855&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866855 Author: JessDub
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 7:18pm

Is he ok being awake though or is he tired/overtired?
My DS was not much of a napper i.e. he didn't need that much sleep. And it didn't matter what the books said about how much sleep he should be having.

I remember getting frustrated and stressed when he was younger because I thought he should be napping but he was happy being up, and it was ok.

However when he did show tired signs, then overtired signs, the only tried and true method was controlled crying (in quietly after two minutes, five minutes etc) which took only one or two goes. You mention you have a small house etc... can your husband wear earplugs?

]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:18:00 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866855&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866855 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866836&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866836 Author: Mamma2N
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 6:57pm

Yep we had that here too as many other Mammas in our Due thread had. Like Toni, I just went with it, as frustrating as it is sometimes. Generally she would have four 45 min naps each day but by 6.5 mths (roughly) she had got herself into her own groove and has two 1.5-2 hour sleeps per day.

The alternative of 'training' her out of the cat-napping seemed like far too much work for me. Again like Toni, I would just let her sleep on me, get into bed with her and boob her back to sleep.

After all that, sorry no suggestions other than running with it. Like most things baby-related, I promise it won't last forever ]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:57:16 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866836&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866836 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866831&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866831 Author: Flutterby
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 6:52pm

DS used to do this up until 7mths. I just went with the flow, we didn't follow a routine and all I did was watch for his tired signs. Though it was hard especially when he would only have one 45min sleep in a day sometimes. Sorry I don't have much advice as I tired everything as well and nothing worked. The only thing that seemed to work was letting him sleep with me and just feeding him back to sleep when he woke up.

Now that he is eating three solid meals a day and crawling he will often sleep for 2-3 hrs every afternoon and maybe have a short nap in the morning. ]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:52:27 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866831&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866831 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866819&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866819 Author: WestiesGirl
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 6:34pm

I have this same problem except Jackson will only last an hour max awake and I dont feed before bed. We follow feed play sleep and when we started that at 5 weeks old it worked well but only lasted until 10 weeks. Jackson is now 16 weeks and has been cat napping 30 - 45 minutes during the day since 10 weeks old

I have also done the shushing, patting, rocking, etc etc to try to resolve it but have now come to the conslusion that its just easier and less stressful to just go with the flow. And I work around that instead of fighting it.

He now has 4 sometimes 5 40 minute cat naps throughout the day. It kinda stuffs up our 3 hourly feeding routine but with the heat here feeding 2.5 hourly is better to stay hydrated.

Sorry thats probably not much help, but just wanted to say your not alone I am praying it will end at 4 months but Im not holding my breath ]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:34:54 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866819&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866819 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866812&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866812 Author: kiwisj
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 6:25pm

Do you think an hour and a half up could be too much? Callum always needed more sleep than the *experts* recommended and could never stay up longer than an hour for a really long time! So maybe try putting him down just before you think you would see those tired signs?

Some of the babies in our Due In thread went through phases of 45 min day sleeps, they just got through it as best they could, let their bubs have more naps in the day (usually 3, sometimes 4). We've had our share of those days and despite knowing C is tired I usually end up getting him up and getting on with the day, around 4m they're getting more alert and aware of their surroundings, we took C's mobile out of the cot not long after 4 months as he was too interested in it to shut his eyes

Do you feed DS as soon as he wakes up (rather than waiting) so that he isn't so sleepy when you're trying to feed?

How does he sleep/settle at night? Is it just the day sleeps that are short?

Hope you figure something out soon hun!]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:25:29 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866812&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866812 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866778&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866778 Author: bun_in_the_oven
Subject: 30432
Posted: 10 December 2009 at 5:41pm

I have posted about this challenge before...ill try again too...
I have a beautiful baby boy - just turned 4 months old... and my biggest challenge at the moment is his lack of daytime sleeps

I dont want to "train" him or read "some experts" book.. i am looking for mummies advice and strategies to help me (and him of course!!)

at the moment he sleeps up to 40mins at the most..(sometimes just 20mins) i keep him up for an hour and a half - watching for tired signs and then its into his swaddle blanket, a breastfeed and into bed....

Ideally i want to be able to feed him without him falling asleep on me..this is all part of my challenge !! I feel exausted as hes feeding so often and maybe not sleeping long because he doesnt have a full tummy ??

I have done the waiting around until he starts to rouse.. sushing, rocking the cot, patting drills.. he just becomes more and more upset and starts to scream.. once hes up hes content and all smiles ! im not too keen on the CC or CIO methods as we are in a super small house and my husband works nights..

advice, ideas, suggestions PLEASE HELP !!??!!
thanks in advance



]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:13 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30432&PID=866778&title=day-sleeps-uurrgghhh#866778