We have been having some sleep issues lately. In the past, Dylan slept really well. I would nurse (I know this is a no-no) him to sleep around 8, he would wake up around 2 for another feeding and then go back to sleep until 8 in the morning. For the past few months we have slowly gotten off this schedule. Now he will fight going to sleep and usually doesn't lay down until 10:30pm, wakes up all through the night and is up at 6am. Last night we had a rough night and I decided this morning to change our routine.
Tonight we didn't get home until 8:30pm and he fell asleep in the car. As I was getting him out he woke up, so I quickly incorporated a new bedtime routine. I changed him into PJ's, read Goodnight Moon, said our prayers and put him in bed and told him I loved him. I read online to wait 5 minutes and go check on him if he's still awake. When I checked on him I patted his back and told him I loved him and then left. I waited 10 more minutes the next time and did the same thing. As I am writing this we are now on 20 minutes and he is still going strong. I refuse to give in. It has taken us 9 months, but we really feel like Dylan is old enough to go to sleep on his own-tough love baby :) I will let you guys know how it is going next time. Dylan very well could win this battle!
Besides his sleeping issues, Dylan is great. He is crawling and pulling up on everything. Loves to "walk" as long as he is holding onto something. I just started incorporating more food into his diet. He has never been a huge fan of mashed up baby food, so we have started giving him food that he can gum. He likes fruit, carrots, green beans, black beans, avocado, chicken, corn, gluten free bagels, butter and yogurt. He loves to feed himself.
I would gladly love feedback on the whole sleep thing. I never was a fan of letting him "cry it out", but am growing tired of the struggle we have every night. I am afraid if we don't get a handle on this now I will be rocking him to sleep when he is 5. I have read a couple books and both contradict the other one, so I don't know what to believe. Help!
(Side note: for the last 5 minutes there has been no crying, so I am hoping he is asleep and it only took 35 minutes)
I wish I could give you a cure-all, but following the Ferber method is the closest thing to success we have found. I will say that things ebb & flow. We still rock Mia to sleep for the majority of her nap & bedtimes, but more and more lately she's not wanted to snuggle that long anymore or be rocked, and so I'm able to put her in her crib, walk away, and she'll fall asleep after 10-20mins (of either playing, singing to herself, and sometimes whining). It's harder for Greg because their bedtime routine is pretty firmly cemented.
ReplyDeleteWhen they get sick or off their schedule, sometimes it feels like you take a few steps backward, but *usually* following your routine again makes a difference. I hope Dylan gets the hang of it! We have been where you are, and sometimes we go back there too! It is sooo frustrating at the time, but very relieving when it works. Good luck!
Okay, this is a very Grandpa Keller thing to say, but one of the times we tried this with Drew (aka the baby who never slept) I was gone for the 10 minutes, and re-entered the room to find he had fallen with his arm stuck between the crib slats all the way up to his shoulder and face planted against the side rail. I felt terrible! So, just peek in on him occasionally to make sure there's no reason for the crying (other than he just doesn't want to be there!). Otherwise, you definitely have to decide what works best for you and him and go with it! I don't think there's any one way that's perfect for all. I remember so well feeling desperate for a change, b/c he was up ALL THE TIME, it seemed. Hope it gets better for you and Dylan. Whatever you decide, keep remembering "this too shall pass." My three don't get me up anymore. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd...Dylan looks ADORABLE!!!
ReplyDeleteOk, let me tell you how to get Dylan on a good sleep schedule--- okay just kidding. No experience here!
ReplyDeleteHe's a doll though-- I am an expert at knowing that!
love you!
Hey Jamie! Dylan is BEYOND precious! I did the same thing with both my girls you did. It took Loren about 3 nights and Maddie about the same. I can't tell you how WONDERFUL it is to have a strong bed time routine. We found that both our girls are happier throughout the day when they have gotten good sleep the night before! Good luck! Both my girls would "test the waters" every now and then... consistency has been the trick for us. The one time you give in, they know you'll do it again and again! :) We miss you guys! Come to Tampa soon, please!! Jenn Hinely
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