I agree about the napping thing.  It's amazing how much sleep during the day effects little one's sleep at night.  At 5 months, I was working part time from home and worked while DS napped, so we had a pretty rigorous schedule I had to follow for naptimes/bedtimes.  DS slept from 7pm to 8am (with one or two nighttime feedings during the night, depending on growth spurts and hunger, but I could always count on one for sure), then took naps from 10-noon and 3-5. 

Because I was working during those naptimes, I needed to let him cry if he woke up too soon, and like proudmama said, many times he'd just fall back asleep until he'd sleep the whole time.  I'm a big believer in the Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child too, and I think the fact that I HAD to work helped with letting him cry it out.  I'd still go check to see if he needed a diaper change, but usually he had just woken up and needed to go back to sleep. 

And Maku's advice about the 3-4 nighttime feedings seems right on.  Sounds like you might need to try letting her cry if she wants to be fed more than the midnight and 5am feeding. 

I know, easier said than done.

Mom to Frank since 6/1/07

Thank you all so much for the suggestions!!!  I've tried to get her to nap longer today and, although her morning nap was not successful, I got her to sleep OVER 2 hours this afternoon (at the same time as DS I might add)!  Yahoo!  After her usual 45 minute nap this morning, I left her, as many of you suggested, to get back to sleep on her own, but after an hour I gave up.  She played for the first 35 minutes, fussed for 15, and then screamed for 10 minutes.  I tried to rock her to sleep at that point, but she just looked around the room and kept smiling at me.  This afternoon, she woke up fussing after 45 minutes and I left her to go back to sleep.  Within 7 minutes she was back to sleep and slept another hour and a half.  Yay!  I actually got some sleep this afternoon too!  Thank you!

Formerly, Mom2babyboy

Awesome progress, Mom2babyLs!!

Michelle

W's Mom

 MLM  FANATIC

That's AMAZING!!!!  And you got a nap, awesome!!!  I'm glad it worked out, now, hopefully she pays attention and stays asleep tonight! 

Mom to Frank since 6/1/07

Oh, I am sooo happy for you.  Because I remember the joy of the first long nap!  I'm still hoping to see you guys tonight.  Getting DS dinner now.  Hoping DH won't be tooo late.  He said he's gonna be late, but hopefully before 8!!!

MLM MANIAC

YAY!!!  I'm thrilled she got some good sleep.  I'm eager to see if this helps her tonight!! If not, let us know.  I'm sure we can offer some other suggestions for you.

*Shout out to Proudmama... thanks for the hat tip. :)  You made me laugh.  But for the record, you are an old pro now.  Carry on, my friend and teach away!! :)

SAHM to DS (6) and DD (4)

Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.

HOPELESS MLM ADDICT

Wow, could it really have been that easy?!?  After her good nap yesterday, she had one more power nap (while I cooked dinner) then went to bed easily at 8pm.  She was up at 12 and 4 to nurse, but I really think she was hungry; she ate on both sides each time and didn't fall asleep until both breasts were drained.  Today she started the day with a 45 minute nap and then played in her bed for 35 minutes (never cried).  You think she just doesn't need a very long nap in the morning!?  BUT, this afternoon she slept for 2.5 hours!!!  I am amazed!

My only new question is when she needs a 3rd nap and when to just put her to bed?  She was up from her 2.5 hour nap at 4pm... so I wasn't sure if I should give her a nap at 6pm or make her stay up until 7pm and then go to bed early.  What's your thoughts on late evening naps!?  I ended up making a run to Kroger this evening so a nap wasn't convenient and I put her to bed at 7pm.

Formerly, Mom2babyboy

Well, I plan on taking some of that advice after the night I had last night. Maybe something is just wrong with my DD, but she was hollering as if in pain...its been going on for a few days though. I'd actually like to know what my DH has because he can get her to sleep in no time at night. Monday I was in tears with frustration after 1.5 went by and she's still screaming and won't go to sleep. He came in, held her, and she was out in 5 min.

Congrats M2BLs! You deserve every bit of sleep you can get!

Mother to CSJ & CJJ

Teaching swim, dance, and tumbling all year long!

MLM MANIAC

I guess my first question would be why does her bedtime have to be 8pm?  Is there a reason or is that just when you want her to go to bed?  If it were me and she had a good, solid nap at 4pm and seemed tired between 6-7pm, I would put her to bed for the night. No, this does not mean she will wake up at 2am to start her day.  ;)

My other question has to do with her morning nap.  What time is she starting the day and how long is she awake before her first nap?  I'm thinking her 1st nap might not be close enough to her morning wake time.  As if the window is closing and she simply cannot get  to sleep which might make it appear as though she isn't needing a nap.  She probably  needs to go down about 1.5 - 2 hours after waking.

SO glad it appears to be working and giving you a little sense of relief. Let's hear it for the small victories! :)

SAHM to DS (6) and DD (4)

Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.

HOPELESS MLM ADDICT

Here was what DS's schedule was...but he was not waking at 4 to feed.  He was waking only once at 1 or 2 then sleeping until 5:30/6. 

If this helps here is what DS did:

6am wake up

7am start nap routine - (infant massage, quiet reading w/ brother perhaps in a darken room)

7:30 nap

8:30-9:30 wake

play play read/quiet time

12ish Nap

2pm wake

play play read/quiet time

4:30 Nap

5:00-5:30 wake (this got shorter and shorter until we took it out when it got to be 30 minutes)

Bed around 8 (for us)  which looking back and knowing what I know now, should have been earlier. 

But again, it's best to watch for signs of tiredness (rubbing eyes, losing eye contact, etc...DS always gets red under eyes when overtired.)  But this might give you a rough estimate.  It's best to get some hard play in as soon as they are up and fed.  Then ease on the activity the closer naptime comes.

MLM MANIAC