tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post2001027195212915210..comments2023-08-22T01:59:18.988-06:00Comments on My Baby Sleep Guide | Your sleep problems, solved!: How to Set the Stage for Good Sleep {tear free!}Rachel Rowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-73847688936399320762016-01-14T12:42:19.520-07:002016-01-14T12:42:19.520-07:00mharlow,
To fix the frequent night wakings and fee...mharlow,<br />To fix the frequent night wakings and feeds, you'll need to teach her to fall asleep on her own at bedtime and for naps, and to fall back asleep when she wakes up. It won't be an easy transition at first, but it will make things a lot easier in the long run. Check out the sleep training tab above and the 3-6 month sleep guide. <br /><br />good luck!<br />rachelRachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-14207969328201179802016-01-11T21:21:41.698-07:002016-01-11T21:21:41.698-07:00I need help! My 5 month old girl screams very loud...I need help! My 5 month old girl screams very loud when she wakes every hour to two hours and then wants to be nursed to go back to sleep. I can get her to sleep without nursing when we put her to bed but she does not sleep long and then wakes but eyes are closed and just screams until she is nursed, sometimes for 30 minutes if I am not there and my partner is doing bed time. She is also not good at long naps only getting 20 min before waking. I have started writing down our sleep log but nothing is consistent with her. She was sleeping for 4 hours until she got sick at 4 months with a cold and ever since she can not sleep longer than 2 hours at a time. I think my problem is needing to night ween her but how do I do that. She is a very loud high pitched screamer and I just can't take it. She also wakes every 2 hours on the dot so much so that I can set a clock by it. I need sleep but am not able to handle her crying so I do what ever it takes ( nursing) to get her back to sleep. Her crib is in our room and butted up with our bed. Her room is not an option for sleeping. mharlowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09925953054523722565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-65098752269544708252013-12-11T05:09:09.159-07:002013-12-11T05:09:09.159-07:00After reading your blog I realize I did everything...After reading your blog I realize I did everything wrong and I am suffering the consequences! My little girl is almost 4 months old, she was born a few weeks early and very small and spent the first few weeks in the NICU. She was such a great sleeper when she first came home from the NICU - looking back I realized she was so tired from eating she didn't have much of a choice except to sleep! =)<br />We have all the bad habits now - rocking her to sleeping, falling asleep with her pacifier and she can't put herself to sleep. She does put herself back to sleep during the night and can sleep 6-7 hours during the night without needing me. <br />She does have reflux and allergies which are being addressed medically.<br /><br />She is waking up 20-30 minutes into a nap - every once in a while the nap gods smile down on us and she sleeps for 2+ hours - but maybe once a week. We have been trying to follow the eat/activity/sleep routine during the day but I am putting her down for 6-8 "naps" a day and with having to rock her for 20-30 minutes for each nap I am loosing my mind!<br /><br />So I know that we need to stop rocking her to sleep and drop the pacifier all together - she does suck her thumb now which is great but prefers the pacifier to fall asleep. Once she is asleep she sucks her thumb while sleeping at night. I am not ready to just let her CIO, she just gets herself completely worked up if I leave her in her crib for too long or try and put her in her crib awake. It then takes me another 20 minutes to calm her down again. She ends up so overtired some days she wakes up and is already yawning for her next nap!<br /><br />So my question is - where to start? I know we have to start putting her into her crib drowsy not asleep but how does one do this? I have read lots of your posts and I know I am not alone in wondering how this is done - she just gets herself so worked up and the short nap is even shorter and by 4 in the afternoon everyone is in tears!<br /><br />I know this is a lot but I am just looking for ideas on how to get started on the right track for helping my baby girl sleep on her own!<br /><br />Thank you and your blog is great - it has been so helpful for me to read and try and figure out what I can try!momtomaya13https://www.blogger.com/profile/02464148617166062238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-65996394127873280722013-06-13T22:02:31.333-06:002013-06-13T22:02:31.333-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Sara...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Sarah, <br />My guess is that this is an issue of him still getting used to day and night. Some babies will also get fussy times in the early morning, occasionally there will be the baby that will have worsened reflux at this time from lying all night. So keep things dark and calm then and do the best you can to help him fall back asleep. This issue will get better with age. <br /><br />rachelRachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-69205438283821948712013-06-13T22:02:05.834-06:002013-06-13T22:02:05.834-06:00Sarah @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
I love this...Sarah @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />I love this blog. I have a 7 week old boy who I've had on a three hour routine for a few weeks now. My problem is this: he goes to bed between 7-8 and sleeps until 2 or 3 (which is fantastic) but then he is up again at 4ish and for the day before 6. I haven't been dream feeding him because he goes so long at his first waking. How can I stop the frequent early morning wakings? Should I be doing a dream feed? <br />Thanks for your help. <br />SarahRachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-89416944524293813212013-06-13T22:01:49.307-06:002013-06-13T22:01:49.307-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Anna...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Anna, <br />If he's healthy and growing well, I don't think he needs that one feed. He can get the food he needs during the day and waking at night to eat simply decreases sleep consolidation for the both of you which isn't ideal. It's always good to double check things with your pediatrician though.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-66271483252786191412013-06-13T22:01:27.129-06:002013-06-13T22:01:27.129-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Jess...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Jess, most kids protest much less with time. My oldest stopped after a few months but my two yer old still does it sometimes--they are unique little guys!<br />Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-34787258559106433212013-06-13T22:01:01.887-06:002013-06-13T22:01:01.887-06:00Anna @ My Baby Sleep Guide -Says...
Thanks Rachel...Anna @ My Baby Sleep Guide -Says...<br /><br />Thanks Rachel! Yes he is completely weaning himself. He cry less or none at all now. He either chew on his pacifier or play with his plush toy and fall asleep while I pat on him. Since no nursing he wakes up at least once during the night for a bottle. Should I cut the night feeding?Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-19808711732540146612013-06-13T22:00:38.368-06:002013-06-13T22:00:38.368-06:00Jess @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Thanks for t...Jess @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Thanks for the reply :) <br />Today Instead of doing the routine in her room I started there, then walked her around the house while singing and rocking then finished up the routine back in her room and she didn't protest as much. <br />However I am sure she will soon learn the "new" routine and protest that too! <br />I guess you just have to do whatever works at the time and change things as they change.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-22524420187505574072013-06-13T22:00:13.469-06:002013-06-13T22:00:13.469-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide -Says...
Jess,...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide -Says...<br /><br />Jess, <br />It sounds like I may need to write a whole post about this protesting sleep issue. A lot of folks have been asking about it lately. Unfortunately, I haven't ever heard of or been able to implement myself a great fix. Sometimes starting the routine outside the room or walking around for a few minutes outside the room to calm baby prior (or after swaddled) helps, but sometimes it doesn't. You can also try to have sleep time something to look forward to by having a lovey and making book reading time sound really exciting. <br /><br />At this age, a lot of babies will actually fight sleep a lot more if you hold them and try to get them tired rather than if you set them in their beds and walk out. But obviously you have to feel find doing that to do it :)Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-56766106525382171482013-06-13T21:59:52.074-06:002013-06-13T21:59:52.074-06:00Jess @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
I too have a...Jess @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />I too have a baby that fights sleep. I have spent the last 6 wks getting a very consistant pre sleep/nap routine -book, change nappy, swaddle, pacifier, white noise, dark room, lullaby while being rocked. It did seem to be working for a tiny bit but now as soon as she hears the white noise or starts to get swaddled she will scream. Sometimes all I have to do is walk into her room at bed time and she'll start. <br />She will eventually go to sleep but it is taking longer and longer each day and instead of putting down drowsy but awake (which I was sometimes able to do previously) she has to be totally out of it. Even then she will sometimes wake 10 mins later and we have to resooth her. <br />Are there times when sleep cues like these can work against you? Should I mix it up or stay consistant and hope it will pass? <br />She is 17 wks.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-62012877523226175172013-06-13T21:59:28.969-06:002013-06-13T21:59:28.969-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says..
Anna,...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says..<br /><br />Anna, <br />If it's only been going on for a couple days, you might want to wait it out before changing things (unless you are ready to try having him go to sleep without needing to be nursed). Often kids have a rough few days here and there. He is at an age where some kids seem to be weaning, but they are actually just really preoccupied and interested in their world. He'll likely stay a little more interested with things around him, but he won't be as distracted as he is right now in several days most likely. If you decide to change things up, the no cry sleep solution is a good idea to cry. But, you have to keep in mind that almost (like 99.5%) of kids will protest change, and that protesting is usually in the form of a cry. As you've seen right now, even with all the assistance you can give, he is still protesting going to sleep. There isn't any magical way around this, sadly. It is what kids (and people in general) do. He'll protest like this about various things (I want that toy, I don't want to wear a jacket in 10 degree weather, I don't want to put my seat belt on etc) for, well, forever :) It's what kids do.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-79118862991640258342013-06-13T21:58:58.396-06:002013-06-13T21:58:58.396-06:00Anna @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
I'm so g...Anna @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />I'm so glad that I've found this website. I need help on my 9 months old son. I have no problem putting him to sleep up until this couple of days. I nursed him to sleep and it only took a few minutes for him to fall asleep. But these couple of days he won't take boobs anymore, he weaning himself I guess, and this is hard for him. He cry and scream so hard for a few minutes (even though I sing to him, pat him on the back, give him the pacifier), then calm himself down and fall asleep. My question is how can I help him to fall asleep without crying? Please help me to help him.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-50913088715290873482013-06-13T21:58:37.378-06:002013-06-13T21:58:37.378-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Barb...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Barb, <br />Try reading with him throughout the day and making it seems like an extra fun and special time to see if it helps with the nights. You could also start reading outside the bedroom and move into the bedroom after a book to see if that helps with the transition. <br /><br />You can put him down with his eyes closed but have him still awake, but as it is you've got other night waking issues you've mentioned and this is likely contributing to them. Sooo, you can do that, but you'll likely continue with the night issues, or you can bite the bullet and try to put him down awake (possibly drowsy) and have him get upset for a bit but he'll get better with time (either cio or whatever method you prefer to sleep train). Just make sure to be confident, positive and consistent with whatever you do. Good luck!Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-39885971344050173062013-06-13T21:58:18.773-06:002013-06-13T21:58:18.773-06:00barb @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
I have a alm...barb @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />I have a almost five month old and have tried to set up a bedtime routine of stories and song however my little boy will start crying if I try to read a story. He will let me sing to him while I rock him. I too would like to know what you do when a baby fights the droswy but awake routine. Is it all right ti put him down as soon as eyes close? Any time I try with eyes open he screams and cries and it takes forever to get him back down.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-1860041051151587252013-06-13T21:57:55.700-06:002013-06-13T21:57:55.700-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Glad...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by!<br /><br />RachelRachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-81212306169889081982013-06-13T21:57:36.059-06:002013-06-13T21:57:36.059-06:00SleepInt @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Wow! Wha...SleepInt @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Wow! What a great post. Thanks for the huge list of tips!Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-50997138400101194722013-06-13T21:57:15.672-06:002013-06-13T21:57:15.672-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Case...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Casey, <br />That's why I have to joke about that phrase, it is so much harder than it sounds! <br /><br />If your child fights you, you kind of have to accept it. Some kids do that. Both of mine have at one time or another. Sometimes letting them feel upset in your arms for a few minutes helps calm them for sleep. Sometimes going in another room to start the pre-sleep routine helped or singing. You have to work around with different things. This is one reasly many people give a pacifier or the breast (but I don't suggest food if it can be helped). You can't blame him for being upset to go to sleep, he'd rather play with his awesome mommy! But he NEEDS the sleep, just like he needs many other think you'll do for him in the future and he'll protest about too :) <br /><br />One trick at this age is to put them down in their beds sooner when they are upset. Of course, this means they need to be able to go to sleep on their own. BUt if they do, this often helps. <br /><br />As for not being able to go to sleep without being drowsy and sleeping well next to you, well, you already named that. He's into a habit of having help to go to sleep and stay asleep from you. So if you want him to no longer always need you, you'll have to work on teaching him to go to sleep and stay asleep on his own. <br /><br />Once a child sits and stands, you kind of let them have at it to their desire. Eventually the novelty wears off. Now, if you're in there with them trying to get them to go to sleep when they do it, that's a bit different story--but generally you'll try to ignore them if they are fooling around otherwise you reinforce the playing. You can't make a child go to sleep if they want to play. You can set the stage for sleep and tell them it is time to sleep, but they'll go to sleep when they're nice and ready. Some parents will lay the child down and tell them it is time to sleep when they stand, but most of the time this seems to hurt rather than help if it is more than an occasional thing that is done.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-16068069272455920732013-06-13T21:56:30.578-06:002013-06-13T21:56:30.578-06:00casey @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
"Try t...casey @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />"Try to put your child to sleep drowsy rather than already asleep" -- what do you do if your child fights you? I tried the 4S "sitting" technique, and he goes berserk (wiggling, trying to stand, playing with my face/hair, crying, babbling, angry grunting, etc.) and just gets more worked up, making it harder to get him calm and sleepy again. If he isn't practically asleep by the time he hits the crib, he immediately sits up and fusses/plays/cries. He's obviously tired, and will fall asleep easily if I cuddle with him on the bed or couch. That is the only method that works for naps for us (I know that is probably my fault). He's 6.5 months, and an extremely happy baby, and goes down fine in his crib at 730 at night and sleeps 10 hours straight, then another two hours in bed with me. <br /><br />So, is there a trick for sleep-fighters to get to that drowsy state? (He was a swaddle-fighter, too.) Is drowsy eyes closed? How do you get the kid to lay in the crib, once they can sit/stand? Any advice would be so much appreciated! I'm at a loss.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-26048003679461967402013-06-13T21:56:03.643-06:002013-06-13T21:56:03.643-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Glad...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Glad you like it freddie <br /><br />RachelRachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-87376767118391348032013-06-13T21:55:41.810-06:002013-06-13T21:55:41.810-06:00Freddie @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
awesome Freddie @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />awesome Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-83585506024376836322013-06-13T21:55:19.739-06:002013-06-13T21:55:19.739-06:00RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
Even...RachelStella @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />Even I need to refresh my memory about sleep things sharon :) Glad you found it helpful!Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7230077724876087121.post-16639308354916342992013-06-13T21:54:57.700-06:002013-06-13T21:54:57.700-06:00sharon @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...
This post ...sharon @ My Baby Sleep Guide - Says...<br /><br />This post is super helpful, thank you! I especially like how you linked to all the more detailed posts if I need to refresh my memory on them.Rachel Rowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160855322599826360noreply@blogger.com