Aliss, I hope things have calmed down! It always sounds tricky to juggle your three men...
Amy, 4.5 hours?! You poor thing!!
I really hope things get better. When you do feel up to sleep training, or whatever, I think figuring out what you're willing to do consistently is exactly the right approach. Most babies can adapt to most things (within reason of course) so as long as she learns what to expect, I bet she'll do great. Regarding the projector, I would agree with Stephie that it probably wouldn't be a good idea in the long term. If she were already really used to it that would be one thing, but it doesn't seem like the best thing to introduce now that your routines are in flux.
Gaia, we had late bedtimes at F's age too, although I know he's been on a later schedule for a while. I say go with what works! And definitely don't worry about 5 months from now, that's forever in baby time. Are you still holding F for all his sleep? Were you holding him for those long stretches? I can understand why you are torn about that...I would say it depends on how badly things have been going. If he's chronically sleep deprived unless you hold him, I don't see how you'll be able to work on things anyway, so you may as well hold him...but if he's doing ok without being held then I would consider sticking it out. But of course it's up to you.
Stephie, don't feel too guilty about giving pain medication!
You are really trying to balance things. Of course it's hard to do that perfectly, especially when they can't talk to us, but the fact that it helped his sleep suggests to me that he really was uncomfortable. It's not as if getting sleep isn't important for his long-term health too, you know? I hope you keep having some better nights! And that the teeth are through really soon!!!
Regarding diapers, I don't know what kind you got (pockets?) but we never had any luck using just cloth at night. If you are going to change him anyway, it may work for you. I'm glad the wool cover is working well!
I think the 8 month regression has a lot to do with motor milestones. Cully's already crawling and pulling up, so it may not be as bad for you. Here's hoping!
Polaris, every 20 minutes is brutal!!!
Poor you guys! We have a dose of ibuprofen ready in LO's room every night in case he needs it during the night...think someone on this thread suggested that. I've only actually used that dose two or three times, but it helps to know it's there in case I need it (probably actually reduces how much I medicate at bedtime because I don't feel like that's my only chance). I really hope last night was better!
Missk, what is LO's schedule like during the day? Could he be overtired (or undertired)? Regarding sleep training, it sounds like CIO might be a good option for you, or CC with long intervals. Or send OH in if you think his presence would be less upsetting. I would encourage you to try going past 45 minutes if you are comfortable with that (well, as comfortable as one can be). I know it sounds horrible but they really can sometimes calm themselves down even after screaming for that long. And if he does manage to learn how to self-settle, he'll gradually be able to do it in less and less time, even if it took him over 45 minutes the first time.
Keese, anywhere from 3 to 5 naps is good at that age, and a wake time of around 1.5-2 hours. Short naps are likely to lengthen on their own in a couple of months as he drops to 2 and lengthens his wake times. In terms of self-settling, I think it might help to just familiarize yourself with different methods so you know what different options are out there. Mybabysleepguide is one website that covers different methods, and I'm sure others on this thread could suggest other resources. Hang in there, I know that 4 month regression is awful
Vikki, happy almost birthday Daniel!
sounds like things are going great!!
AFM, still waiting out this transition. He's changing both classroom and schedule this week. I've been staying with him all morning to play with him in his new room, and then leaving in the afternoon as usual. He's made a lot of progress already, but he's still not his usual self. He's clearly getting overtired, because he can't ever extend his naps. And it is affecting his nighttime sleep now. I'm sure he just needs to gets used to the new space. I should count my blessings -- at least he's going to sleep there at all, and taking bottles pretty well. Stay away, curse.
It really is not going well. Last night in under 9 1/2 hours of sleep he woke up 3 times and was wide awake at 4:30. I left him in bed until 5:45 and he didn't even try to go back to sleep. That's a grand total of 10 1/2 hours of sleep in the last 24. And I did give pain relief last night. I think I'm going to keep him home for his morning nap for a week or two while he gets used to the new environment and to taking his afternoon nap there.
