Encouraging 7mo to sleep at night...

[ZombieMama]

My 7mo DD has what some people refer to as "night confusion." Her longest sleep period is actually in early morning, between 3-5am, and she sleeps until 10am-noon (waking 2-3 times to nurse). She naps twice during the day, not unusually long naps- between 1-2 hours. But she really seems to wake up around 11pm, and that's her most active period.

I've tried what seems like everything. Warm baths, quiet time, bedtime routine, laying her in our bed with dim lights, etc. I even tried waking her from her nap early, against my better judgement, and of course it backfired big time. My natural instinct is to just suck it up and sleep when she sleeps (which is what I have been doing) but my older children are out of school for the summer next week and I really don't want to be sleeping until noon with DD while my sons are home. But I also don't want to be living on 3 hours of sleep each night.

I hate the word "training" but does anyone have any suggestions for gently encouraging DD to sleep at night? Or is this something I'm just going to have to suffer through for a bit? I know it won't last forever, but that's not very comforting when you are pregnant and sleep deprived.

Thanks!

[steph66]

I really wish I had any advice for you, but I'm right there with you. I'm also wondering what we're going to do this summer when my dd gets out of school.. what we've been doing lately is just trying to be active in the morning although it usually means less sleep for me and a grumpier baby but i think its starting to work, we've got a little progress. shes starting to wake up on her own at 11a and actually just fell asleep right now at 11:30p! Not sure where this will lead us but good luck!!

[ZombieMama]

Thank you, and good luck to you too! I'm not happy you're in the same boat, but it's nice to know I'm not alone.

[somegirl99]

Just wanted to send some hugs, we had the same problem from about 5 to 7 months.  Baby wanted to be up most of the night and then sleep to noon.

It took a while but it did get better.  We ended up waking him up at a consistent time in the morning (by 8) and limiting nap to 2 hours each (otherwise he'd take a 4 hour morning nap) and starting a bedtime routine at a fairly consistent time.  As the PP says, lots of activity including going outside (when possible) in the morning as well.  But it definitely took a while before his internal clock switched.

I hope it improves for you soon!