Oh man, Kisha. I so feel your pain. You know we had our fair share of sleep issues that we have finally settled. It only took three years.
First, you know her best. I only know what works for Erik. You asked for advice, so I'll say what I would do but I am not there so it might be totally worthless advice and that's ok with me. I saw the epic struggles you had with her. It was not easy.
I would say forget about an 11 am nap. I hang out in the mommy circles, at at 18 months that is a very early nap. Most people I know want their kid down at noon or 1. Wake her up by 3. As you say, you don't want that nap going till 4 or there will be hell to pay.
I agree with your doc. It doesn't make much sense to me, but I've found that an over-tired child is much harder to get to sleep. I always thought an earlier bedtime would make life even more hellish, but it really seemed to work for Erik. These days if we don't have him in his little bed by 8:30 we can forget about sleep. If we get lazy and allow him to dawdle past that time we are SCREWED for the night. It's weird how there's that sweet spot of sleep time. I think you're just going to have to play with it to find out what it is.
I don't know how you and M would feel about this, but maybe do cut out the nursing to sleep and let M handle getting her down. I can never get Erik to sleep. Mike has the magic touch and I have never been able to replicate it (until we day weaned Erik and suddenly the before bed nursing was something he desperately wanted and then everything changed). Does M have a magic touch?
Does the music really help? We used to play lullabies for Erik and we finally figured out that they weren't helping. They annoyed him and when we finally stopped with the lullabies he was easier to handle. At 18 months, our routine was bath sometimes, teeth brushing (boy oh boy was that fun at that age), a kiss from mommy, then daddy took him to the darkened bedroom and held him tight while singing. It was still not easy, but it worked. If I tried to put him down we just both got so frustrated that I gave up and he knew I would give up and he'd get to watch TV. Mike is so stubborn that Erik knew he was just going to have to relax and go to sleep because Mike WOULD win.
I have always had such a hard time sleeping that I feel sorry for little insommniac babies and toddlers. I am so glad I can finally take my sleeping pills again. I am also really relieved that Erik is finally falling asleep on his own and staying asleep through the night. I wouldn't wish insomnia on anyone.
I hope someone gives you some advice that helps. That little girl sure can be stubborn! It's exhausting for everyone.
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Date: 2008-11-20 03:42 am (UTC)First, you know her best. I only know what works for Erik. You asked for advice, so I'll say what I would do but I am not there so it might be totally worthless advice and that's ok with me. I saw the epic struggles you had with her. It was not easy.
I would say forget about an 11 am nap. I hang out in the mommy circles, at at 18 months that is a very early nap. Most people I know want their kid down at noon or 1. Wake her up by 3. As you say, you don't want that nap going till 4 or there will be hell to pay.
I agree with your doc. It doesn't make much sense to me, but I've found that an over-tired child is much harder to get to sleep. I always thought an earlier bedtime would make life even more hellish, but it really seemed to work for Erik. These days if we don't have him in his little bed by 8:30 we can forget about sleep. If we get lazy and allow him to dawdle past that time we are SCREWED for the night. It's weird how there's that sweet spot of sleep time. I think you're just going to have to play with it to find out what it is.
I don't know how you and M would feel about this, but maybe do cut out the nursing to sleep and let M handle getting her down. I can never get Erik to sleep. Mike has the magic touch and I have never been able to replicate it (until we day weaned Erik and suddenly the before bed nursing was something he desperately wanted and then everything changed). Does M have a magic touch?
Does the music really help? We used to play lullabies for Erik and we finally figured out that they weren't helping. They annoyed him and when we finally stopped with the lullabies he was easier to handle. At 18 months, our routine was bath sometimes, teeth brushing (boy oh boy was that fun at that age), a kiss from mommy, then daddy took him to the darkened bedroom and held him tight while singing. It was still not easy, but it worked. If I tried to put him down we just both got so frustrated that I gave up and he knew I would give up and he'd get to watch TV. Mike is so stubborn that Erik knew he was just going to have to relax and go to sleep because Mike WOULD win.
I have always had such a hard time sleeping that I feel sorry for little insommniac babies and toddlers. I am so glad I can finally take my sleeping pills again. I am also really relieved that Erik is finally falling asleep on his own and staying asleep through the night. I wouldn't wish insomnia on anyone.
I hope someone gives you some advice that helps. That little girl sure can be stubborn! It's exhausting for everyone.