It’s like having a newborn again

by Jodifur on September 19, 2007

I've always been blessed with a good sleeper. Michael has been sleeping thought the night, pretty consistently, since he was 4 months old. That went out of the window if he was sick or teething, but mostly, 7 pm-7 am. Naps have always been spotty, but normally it was 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Last two weeks, he goes down at 7 and plays and chats in his crib for hours. Hours. We are lucky if he is asleep by 10. I know what you are thinking, he needs a later bedtime. We tried that. He just talked later.
And besides the not going to bed at a reasonable hour, he is up 2-3 times a night because he can't find a particular stuffed animal that he must have to sleep with. It's a crises. "Mommy, mommy, where's my turtle? Mommy, mommy, where's my big bird?" I have to get out of bed and go show him that it is right next to him, where it was an hour ago. He goes right back to sleep, I then take another hour to fall asleep and an hour later it happens again. I know, stop going in, but then he just screams louder and wakes himself up more and no one (except Doug) is sleeping anyway. (How come Michael only wants Doug except if it's in the middle of the night).
I can't believe I am doing this, but I need some advice from veteran moms. Push his bed time back? Give up the nap? (The only thing is, he has to nap at daycare). Keep putting him down at 7 and when he goes to sleep, he goes to sleep? Take all of his stuffed animals and twilight turtle out of his crib and then he won't have anything to play with? We have tried it all and nothing is working.
The first person to tell me it's time to move him from his crib will be shot, on sight. Michael is staying in his crib until he is 6.

{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14886941703807825266" rel="nofollow September 19, 2007 at 11:27 pm

I don’t have any advice because well I don’t have any toddler experience yet. But I sure do feel your pain.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14886941703807825266" rel="nofollow September 19, 2007 at 11:27 pm

I don’t have any advice because well I don’t have any toddler experience yet. But I sure do feel your pain.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14886941703807825266" rel="nofollow September 19, 2007 at 11:27 pm

I don’t have any advice because well I don’t have any toddler experience yet. But I sure do feel your pain.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14886941703807825266" rel="nofollow September 19, 2007 at 11:27 pm

I don’t have any advice because well I don’t have any toddler experience yet. But I sure do feel your pain.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15859079471000820384" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 12:14 am

Hi Jodi! I am a first time poster. You drew me out with a topic near and dear to my heart – sleep, or lack thereof. Something that is mentioned in the Ferber book is that we sometimes expect our kids to sleep too many hours. Maybe 7-7 has become too much for Michael now? My son (20 months) sleeps from about 8:30-6:30 in addition to about 1.5 hours of nap. I have tried to put him to bed earlier, but he just tosses and turns until 8:30. I am guessing that Michael may still play around for the same amount of time with a later bedtime, but maybe he will make himself tired enough to sleep through the night?

If that doesn’t work, then maybe some sort of a check and console method would do the trick? Wait a few minutes, go in and soothe without handing over the toy, then repeat with the intervals between each trip getting longer. He’ll probably get pretty upset (and you will get no sleep :-( ) but he’ll likely give up after a few nights.

I just want to say that you have my sympathy. My kid didn’t sleep through the night until he was 16 months old. It made my hair go grey.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15859079471000820384" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 12:14 am

Hi Jodi! I am a first time poster. You drew me out with a topic near and dear to my heart – sleep, or lack thereof. Something that is mentioned in the Ferber book is that we sometimes expect our kids to sleep too many hours. Maybe 7-7 has become too much for Michael now? My son (20 months) sleeps from about 8:30-6:30 in addition to about 1.5 hours of nap. I have tried to put him to bed earlier, but he just tosses and turns until 8:30. I am guessing that Michael may still play around for the same amount of time with a later bedtime, but maybe he will make himself tired enough to sleep through the night?

If that doesn’t work, then maybe some sort of a check and console method would do the trick? Wait a few minutes, go in and soothe without handing over the toy, then repeat with the intervals between each trip getting longer. He’ll probably get pretty upset (and you will get no sleep :-( ) but he’ll likely give up after a few nights.

I just want to say that you have my sympathy. My kid didn’t sleep through the night until he was 16 months old. It made my hair go grey.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15859079471000820384" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 12:14 am

Hi Jodi! I am a first time poster. You drew me out with a topic near and dear to my heart – sleep, or lack thereof. Something that is mentioned in the Ferber book is that we sometimes expect our kids to sleep too many hours. Maybe 7-7 has become too much for Michael now? My son (20 months) sleeps from about 8:30-6:30 in addition to about 1.5 hours of nap. I have tried to put him to bed earlier, but he just tosses and turns until 8:30. I am guessing that Michael may still play around for the same amount of time with a later bedtime, but maybe he will make himself tired enough to sleep through the night?

If that doesn’t work, then maybe some sort of a check and console method would do the trick? Wait a few minutes, go in and soothe without handing over the toy, then repeat with the intervals between each trip getting longer. He’ll probably get pretty upset (and you will get no sleep :-( ) but he’ll likely give up after a few nights.

I just want to say that you have my sympathy. My kid didn’t sleep through the night until he was 16 months old. It made my hair go grey.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15859079471000820384" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 12:14 am

Hi Jodi! I am a first time poster. You drew me out with a topic near and dear to my heart – sleep, or lack thereof. Something that is mentioned in the Ferber book is that we sometimes expect our kids to sleep too many hours. Maybe 7-7 has become too much for Michael now? My son (20 months) sleeps from about 8:30-6:30 in addition to about 1.5 hours of nap. I have tried to put him to bed earlier, but he just tosses and turns until 8:30. I am guessing that Michael may still play around for the same amount of time with a later bedtime, but maybe he will make himself tired enough to sleep through the night?

If that doesn’t work, then maybe some sort of a check and console method would do the trick? Wait a few minutes, go in and soothe without handing over the toy, then repeat with the intervals between each trip getting longer. He’ll probably get pretty upset (and you will get no sleep :-( ) but he’ll likely give up after a few nights.

I just want to say that you have my sympathy. My kid didn’t sleep through the night until he was 16 months old. It made my hair go grey.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11869800317421680310" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 1:22 am

I’m in the same boat right now. At 2yo, he started full-time daycare two weeks ago. It’s hard to get him to bed by the usual 7:30 and now he’s up 1/2 hour to hour earlier. I really don’t know if he’s short on sleep now or just happened to hit a new level and need less sleep at the same time he started daycare…and turned 2. He naps well there and is happy otherwise but I’m so freakin’ tired I could drop on the spot.

Please keep us posted!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11869800317421680310" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 1:22 am

I’m in the same boat right now. At 2yo, he started full-time daycare two weeks ago. It’s hard to get him to bed by the usual 7:30 and now he’s up 1/2 hour to hour earlier. I really don’t know if he’s short on sleep now or just happened to hit a new level and need less sleep at the same time he started daycare…and turned 2. He naps well there and is happy otherwise but I’m so freakin’ tired I could drop on the spot.

Please keep us posted!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11869800317421680310" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 1:22 am

I’m in the same boat right now. At 2yo, he started full-time daycare two weeks ago. It’s hard to get him to bed by the usual 7:30 and now he’s up 1/2 hour to hour earlier. I really don’t know if he’s short on sleep now or just happened to hit a new level and need less sleep at the same time he started daycare…and turned 2. He naps well there and is happy otherwise but I’m so freakin’ tired I could drop on the spot.

Please keep us posted!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11869800317421680310" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 1:22 am

I’m in the same boat right now. At 2yo, he started full-time daycare two weeks ago. It’s hard to get him to bed by the usual 7:30 and now he’s up 1/2 hour to hour earlier. I really don’t know if he’s short on sleep now or just happened to hit a new level and need less sleep at the same time he started daycare…and turned 2. He naps well there and is happy otherwise but I’m so freakin’ tired I could drop on the spot.

Please keep us posted!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15779961065417497337" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 2:52 am

I was in the same boat times two a few years ago and am going through a bit of it now. I also cannot go back to sleep quickly and my hubby seems to sleep through all the commotion.

My advice is to do what gets all of you through the night. However, my little lady is starting to get more fussy at bedtime and I just put my foot down with her. “one more tuck” and I mean it. She comes out of her room again, she returns in tears (oooooh I am a meanie). But I found with the boys that a few nights of tough love gets them in line.

I cannot stress though that each family handles this differently. Here what others have done, read up on it then find you’re own method. You’ll get through this.

You’re a terrific mom!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15779961065417497337" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 2:52 am

I was in the same boat times two a few years ago and am going through a bit of it now. I also cannot go back to sleep quickly and my hubby seems to sleep through all the commotion.

My advice is to do what gets all of you through the night. However, my little lady is starting to get more fussy at bedtime and I just put my foot down with her. “one more tuck” and I mean it. She comes out of her room again, she returns in tears (oooooh I am a meanie). But I found with the boys that a few nights of tough love gets them in line.

I cannot stress though that each family handles this differently. Here what others have done, read up on it then find you’re own method. You’ll get through this.

You’re a terrific mom!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15779961065417497337" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 2:52 am

I was in the same boat times two a few years ago and am going through a bit of it now. I also cannot go back to sleep quickly and my hubby seems to sleep through all the commotion.

My advice is to do what gets all of you through the night. However, my little lady is starting to get more fussy at bedtime and I just put my foot down with her. “one more tuck” and I mean it. She comes out of her room again, she returns in tears (oooooh I am a meanie). But I found with the boys that a few nights of tough love gets them in line.

I cannot stress though that each family handles this differently. Here what others have done, read up on it then find you’re own method. You’ll get through this.

You’re a terrific mom!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15779961065417497337" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 2:52 am

I was in the same boat times two a few years ago and am going through a bit of it now. I also cannot go back to sleep quickly and my hubby seems to sleep through all the commotion.

My advice is to do what gets all of you through the night. However, my little lady is starting to get more fussy at bedtime and I just put my foot down with her. “one more tuck” and I mean it. She comes out of her room again, she returns in tears (oooooh I am a meanie). But I found with the boys that a few nights of tough love gets them in line.

I cannot stress though that each family handles this differently. Here what others have done, read up on it then find you’re own method. You’ll get through this.

You’re a terrific mom!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03933260775407897696" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 5:26 am

YIKES! Our son broke his crib (from shaking the up/down rail) at age 14 months. So at 15 months we were forced to move to a big boy bed or buy a brand new crib…it was a struggle, but he did well. Too well.

Until he hit the age of 4 and realized he had control and could get up! Whenever he wanted!!!! No more sleeping in!!!!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03933260775407897696" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 5:26 am

YIKES! Our son broke his crib (from shaking the up/down rail) at age 14 months. So at 15 months we were forced to move to a big boy bed or buy a brand new crib…it was a struggle, but he did well. Too well.

Until he hit the age of 4 and realized he had control and could get up! Whenever he wanted!!!! No more sleeping in!!!!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03933260775407897696" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 5:26 am

YIKES! Our son broke his crib (from shaking the up/down rail) at age 14 months. So at 15 months we were forced to move to a big boy bed or buy a brand new crib…it was a struggle, but he did well. Too well.

Until he hit the age of 4 and realized he had control and could get up! Whenever he wanted!!!! No more sleeping in!!!!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03933260775407897696" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 5:26 am

YIKES! Our son broke his crib (from shaking the up/down rail) at age 14 months. So at 15 months we were forced to move to a big boy bed or buy a brand new crib…it was a struggle, but he did well. Too well.

Until he hit the age of 4 and realized he had control and could get up! Whenever he wanted!!!! No more sleeping in!!!!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09708845944327765757" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 3:51 pm

You could ask the daycare to have him be the last one put down and the first one up – that might shorten the nap and make him sleepier in the evening.

I still find that long playing baths right before bed help to wear out and relax my Son.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09708845944327765757" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 3:51 pm

You could ask the daycare to have him be the last one put down and the first one up – that might shorten the nap and make him sleepier in the evening.

I still find that long playing baths right before bed help to wear out and relax my Son.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09708845944327765757" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 3:51 pm

You could ask the daycare to have him be the last one put down and the first one up – that might shorten the nap and make him sleepier in the evening.

I still find that long playing baths right before bed help to wear out and relax my Son.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09708845944327765757" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 3:51 pm

You could ask the daycare to have him be the last one put down and the first one up – that might shorten the nap and make him sleepier in the evening.

I still find that long playing baths right before bed help to wear out and relax my Son.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11885594531853595282" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 5:25 pm

In the same boat here with my daughter. She chats in her bed for HOURS…at least until 10pm. We’ve moved her bedtime up, back, taken out the nap (horrible horrible idea!) and everything. I put her to bed after either a nice long walk outside or extensive running around the house/yard for at least 30 minutes. Then we have a small snack (fruit or crackers) and then do the bedtime routine. She is in bed by 7:30-8pm and will fall asleep between 9:30-10. Oh well. I’ve given up trying to get her to sleep more. If she’s tired, she will sleep. I’m the one who needs her in bed that early! :) Good luck and keep us posted!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11885594531853595282" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 5:25 pm

In the same boat here with my daughter. She chats in her bed for HOURS…at least until 10pm. We’ve moved her bedtime up, back, taken out the nap (horrible horrible idea!) and everything. I put her to bed after either a nice long walk outside or extensive running around the house/yard for at least 30 minutes. Then we have a small snack (fruit or crackers) and then do the bedtime routine. She is in bed by 7:30-8pm and will fall asleep between 9:30-10. Oh well. I’ve given up trying to get her to sleep more. If she’s tired, she will sleep. I’m the one who needs her in bed that early! :) Good luck and keep us posted!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11885594531853595282" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 5:25 pm

In the same boat here with my daughter. She chats in her bed for HOURS…at least until 10pm. We’ve moved her bedtime up, back, taken out the nap (horrible horrible idea!) and everything. I put her to bed after either a nice long walk outside or extensive running around the house/yard for at least 30 minutes. Then we have a small snack (fruit or crackers) and then do the bedtime routine. She is in bed by 7:30-8pm and will fall asleep between 9:30-10. Oh well. I’ve given up trying to get her to sleep more. If she’s tired, she will sleep. I’m the one who needs her in bed that early! :) Good luck and keep us posted!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11885594531853595282" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 5:25 pm

In the same boat here with my daughter. She chats in her bed for HOURS…at least until 10pm. We’ve moved her bedtime up, back, taken out the nap (horrible horrible idea!) and everything. I put her to bed after either a nice long walk outside or extensive running around the house/yard for at least 30 minutes. Then we have a small snack (fruit or crackers) and then do the bedtime routine. She is in bed by 7:30-8pm and will fall asleep between 9:30-10. Oh well. I’ve given up trying to get her to sleep more. If she’s tired, she will sleep. I’m the one who needs her in bed that early! :) Good luck and keep us posted!

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00139191935886860839" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 7:35 pm

Can’t help, but I wish I could. Fly has always been a terrible sleeper — although I think he’s getting better lately, knock on wood.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00139191935886860839" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 7:35 pm

Can’t help, but I wish I could. Fly has always been a terrible sleeper — although I think he’s getting better lately, knock on wood.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00139191935886860839" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 7:35 pm

Can’t help, but I wish I could. Fly has always been a terrible sleeper — although I think he’s getting better lately, knock on wood.

Reply

 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00139191935886860839" rel="nofollow September 20, 2007 at 7:35 pm

Can’t help, but I wish I could. Fly has always been a terrible sleeper — although I think he’s getting better lately, knock on wood.

Reply

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