Sleep Training...again!

So after a few weeks of my daughter going down for naps/ bed quite easily... We are now into screaming each time placed in the crib. I've heard this is quite common at 4 or 5 months--- due to???

I've regressed myself, endless rocking, nursing etc. but have the same results. I am now doing a more hard-core Ferberizing... ie: 5 mins, 10 minutes then 15 minutes of crying (with comforting in between). This approach definitely goes against all of your maternal instincts, but seems to be working. She usually cries herself to sleep during the 10 minute stretch. Quite sad, but I am not getting up ten times a night to play the soother game either. She seems to be figuring things out... for now.

Nap transitions...

Now that my daughter is 4 1/2 months old, she is able to stay up for about 2 hours before hitting the wall. After joining civilization during mama groups, visits with friends etc., I noticed when I kept her up longer, she would crash for a 2 hour (instead of 1 hour nap). Apparently, most of my friends babies the same age are already doing 2 long naps a day.... After some huge meltdowns after putting her down at the usual hour and a half wake time, I have been keeping her awake longer. So far so good...sometimes hour and a half naps or two.

According to 'Healthy Sleep Habits', babies older than 4 months need longer naps, naps under an hour do not count as naps at all (ie: not restorative).

• Annoying new skill---she can take out her soother, but cannot put it back in (wails until put in by mama;(

Fav Books

The Happiest Baby on the Block http://www.amazon.ca/Happiest-Baby-Block-Crying-Newborn/dp/0553381466/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290472528&sr=1-1

Sleeping Through the Night  http://www.amazon.ca/Sleeping-Through-Night-Jodi-Mindell/dp/0062734091

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer   http://www.amazon.ca/Secrets-Baby-Whisperer-Connect-Communicate/dp/0345479092/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290472376&sr=1-1

Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems   http://www.amazon.ca/Baby-Whisperer-Solves-Your-Problems/dp/0743488946/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290472376&sr=1-2

The Rookie Mom's Survival Guide   http://www.amazon.ca/Survival-Guide-Rookie-Moms-Things/dp/0470736429/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290472439&sr=1-1

Healthy Sleep Habits,Happy Child   http://www.amazon.ca/Healthy-Sleep-Habits-Happy-Child/dp/0449004023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290472474&sr=1-1

What to Expect in the First Year   http://www.amazon.ca/What-Expect-First-Year-Cover/dp/0761152121/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290472569&sr=1-1

Fav baby products

• ***Sleep Sheep (use daily 4-5 times;)
• Summer digital video baby monitor (awesome--colour and night vision video of your babe!)
• Jumperoo or Exersaucer
• Ergo carrier (not fun @ beginning insert confusing, but loved it as of 3 months), face you but can wear on back when older
• Baby Bjorn (nice to use when infant, then face out when older--ergo better for longer walks/ or for going out for meals
• Medela breast pump (I have manual one, good enough for me, although many friends love the electric for speed)
• Evenflo glass bottles (4 and 8oz) fit with the medela pump
• Aden+Anais swaddle blankets (great for first 2 months, my daughter only lasted 6 weeks, then switched to sleep sacks)
• Sleep sacks- (many brands out there, Grobag, Pinpin- bamboo, Aden+Anais (online only): make sure to buy the correct weight for the season-- important they're not too hot
• Robeez shoes/ boots (actually stay on)
• Gagou Tagou socks (only socks that stay on---Babies R'Us, although a bit thin for winter)
• Night gowns (elastic bottoms you can whip up for easy nighttime diaper changes)
• Mountain Buggy stroller & carrycot (used as bassinet for first 3 weeks on jolly jumper bassinet base)
• Prince Lionheart diaper wipes warmer
• Bumbo and tray
• Bouncy Chair ***my saviour in first 2 months!
• Jolly Jumper on stand
• JJ Cole bundleme (stroller blanket)
• Baby Einstein activity mat
• Manhattan Toys (Infant Stim mobile is awesome--can switch out images to keep novel)
• Oi Oi Diaper bag: even has insulated bottle holders*(I have 2, one utility bag JJ Cole, & stylish more purse like one)--have on babysteals once in a while to save $
• Peg Perego car seat (has side impact protection)
• Britax Advocate convertible car seat (best crash test rating, side impact protection)

Seems like a waste...

• bottle warmers (home): you can use hot water in a mug just as quickly
• Avoid diaper bags with flap over top (can't fit as much in these, annoying to retrieve things)
• Swing (some babies love it, mine didn't), she was happier on her activity mat

R.I.P. Sleep

After a month of fussy evenings and major meltdowns while trying to put our daughter to bed. I realised she was extremely overtired. Apparently babies under 4 months should ideally be awake for 1-2 hours max. Later babies take longer naps less frequently (ie 9-11am, 1-3pm). Early bedtimes for babies and older children are key (no later than 8pm).

After starting a sleep routine, it may take what seems like forever before baby actually 'goes to bed' early and stays asleep longer. It does eventually pay off, but it can be a long road to get there (depending on your baby). After 3 days of 'sleep training' my daughter no longer fussed more than 10 mins for naps or bedtime. I am still waiting for her to 'sleep through the night' (technically 12am-5am or better applies). She is currently in bed at 6:30pm, up at 11pm and 3am to eat, then up for day between 6-7am (@ 4 months old).

'Sleep training' can begin anytime after 8-10 weeks according to some experts. I started full on at 12 weeks, using an adapted "Feberizing" approach (more on this later). Here are a few ideas:

• Sleep training aims to teach your baby self soothing skills (ie: the ability to put themselves to sleep)
• Do occasional 'sleep logs' to track when baby naturally gets sleepy. Track for a couple days, wait until baby shows tired signs, put baby down 20-30 mins before that (it takes about 20 mins for most babies to fall asleep)
• Put your baby down awake
• Put baby down before they fuss, rub eyes, yawn
• Baby Whisperer: EASY method, feed, activity (5-45 mins depending on age) then put down drowsy (not in deep sleep)
• Cluster feeding (2 hour feeding intervals, 4, 6 and 8pm to fuel up for night stretch)
• 'Dream' Feeds (feeding baby while she's asleep, no need to burp--tanks them up and may extend sleep period)
• Pick up/put down method (pick up when crying, then put down when stop...repeat)
• Let them fuss/cry for as long as you feel comfortable, don't rush in at first squeal (they cry in their sleep, you may wake them)
• 'Feberizing' (let cry 5 mins, then comfort, leave for 10 mins if crying... increase if you feel comfortable-- (I wimp out at 5-7 mins each time, but works for us)
• Very short naps (under 30 mins) can mean baby has woken themselves up, try helping them back to sleep before snatching them out of the crib and going on with activities
• Try putting in soother, rubbing back or tummy while shushing before picking them up
• Sleep is cumulative, multiple days of missed naps/ sleep debt can negatively affect your babies development
• Afternoon naps or most restorative for baby, try not to miss these if on the go

Myth Buster

• **Missing naps during day don't mean better sleep at night, in fact the opposite is true!
• Staying up later doesn't mean baby will sleep in longer. Babies have their own bio-rhythm and will eventually wake up around the same time every morning regardless.
• Sleeping on you results in a lighter REM sleep, not as restorative as motionless sleep alone

Sources: 'Secrets of the Baby Whisperer', 'Sleeping through the Night', 'Healthy Sleep Habits for Children'

Starting a Routine

There are a few things that I wish I had started earlier... including a bedtime routine. By around 4 weeks my wide awake newborn was fussy between 6-10pm nightly. (This was because she was overtired...more on that later). Due to exhaustion I would park myself in front of the TV and ride out the fussy period.

• Bedtime routine: massage, bath, songs or stories(5mins max), rocking, cuddling
• Nap routine: a shorter version of the above (ie: massage feet while singing)

Of course these don't work if your baby is already in a overtired state (wailing). You need to help them get to sleep asap. Ideally you start the routine before they show tired signs (yawning). Usually an hour after wakeful period.

• EASY method a la Baby Whisperer (ie: Eat, Activity, Sleep, time for You)
• Change positions: too much time in the car seat, swing or on their back can cause flat spots on their soft heads. When putting to sleep, put them down at opposite ends of the bassinet/ crib
• Tummy time: super important to give as many opportunities daily. Burp across your lap, lay them on your chest, put a couple of rolled up blankets under their chest (or a soft breastfeeding pillow)
• 'Bum to the Breeze' time: babies need a daily break from their diaper, throw down a towel and brace for explosions

Diaper dilemma

Last post for today... has anyone else had trouble with disposables leaking?? I have to change my daughter's sleeper, sheets and sleep sack sometimes twice a day! Tried bigger size with same results. Although bulkier, cloth is so much better for mama earth! Cost is same, or slightly less. Am starting cloth diaper service tomorrow. Will let you know how it goes.

Fav Baby Related Websites

https://www.ecobabybuys.com/
Another daily deal site with orgranic/ eco-friendly baby products

http://www.babysteals.com/
Daily deals on baby products

http://www.allmodernbaby.com/
Great source for unique baby items, ship to Canada!

http://www.boomersandechoes.com/
Great new/ used kids store including maternity, in North Van

http://www.tjskids.com/
BC kids store has huge selection and great sales, check out specials page frequently!
http://kellymom.com/
Lactation consultant with great advice/resources on parenting

http://www.fit4two.ca/
Mama baby fitness classes and infant massage (highly recommend!)
http://www.shitmykidsruined.com/
Hilarious!
http://canada.zappos.com/kids.zhtml
Kids shoes and some for you too!


http://www.angelfaceprints.com/
Great local graphic designer for affordable birth announcements, Christmas cards etc.

http://lapetitemag.com/
Cool mag!

http://www.rompbklyn.com/
Nice baby/child products
http://www.etsy.com/
Awesome source of handmade art from around the world (I bought wall tattoos)

ABC's of Breastmilk

I had to post this on my fridge because in my sleep deprived, zombie (or 'mombie) like state I couldn't retain information.  I amalgamated recommendations from BC Women's Hospital (Breastfeeding clinic) and a great website they recommended    http://kellymom.com/   to create this list.

Storing Breast milk:

• Freshly Expressed milk:
• 6 hours (at room temperature)
• 24 hours (insulated cooler with ice packs)
• Refrigerated breast milk: 5 days or 24 hours if previously frozen
• Once taken out of fridge, good for 4 hours
• May be rewarmed a couple of times for next feeding only
• Frozen milk: Do not refreeze!
• In freezer with separate door: 3 months or 2 weeks if fridge/freezer door, 6 months in deep freeze
• Must thaw frozen milk in fridge or under warm water if used immediately

Do not shake breast milk, swirl! It could diminish nutrients. Do not warm on stove or in microwave. Use bottle warmer or cup of hot water. Keep water away from neck of bottle. ALWAYS test temperature on your wrist, should be feel like nothing (ie room temp).
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html

• I have 6-7 BPA free milk storage bags in 2 and 4 oz in my freezer. It is reassuring in case of emergency. Small quantities are helpful if your baby just needs a 'top up'. (Less wasteful). I occasionally use, (oldest to newest) and restock so milk is no older than 2 months. (Your milk changes as your baby grows).

Brief Honeymoon Period

Bringing our daughter home was totally surreal. We already loved her so much and were excited to see her little personality unfold. I was feeding her every 1-3 hours or so, but she wasn't the typical sleepy newborn. Maybe because she was 10 days late, she was really alert and wide awake! She did however know day from night... only a few nights did she decide to party between feedings around 4-5am.

I thought... this is pretty easy! What is everyone complaining about? Breastfeeding was going well after a few days of confusion. I called 811 and the newborn hot line 604-737-3737 (Vancouver BC) after freaking out about her crazy spitting up and green poo (apparently both normal!). The nurses described the first weeks as a 'dance between you and baby'. My body and hers were 'in tune' relatively quickly and life was good. Until... one day in week 2, she was awake one day from 9am until 2pm!!!  I was exhausted!! Why won't she fall asleep?? At only a couple weeks old I knew this was bizarre... around 4 weeks old the fussy evenings began, this is when she woke up from her newborn bliss and things became a major challenge!!!!

I will post advice that got me through each period in bullets under each post:

• Trust your instincts, (regardless to what people say) if it doesn't feel right IT ISN'T!
• Nipple confusion is a myth: but if you wait too long to start baby may reject bottles/soothers
• Bottle=freedom
• Soother=silence (although brief it is heaven!)
• Start the soother ASAP, maybe wait a week or so to recognize the hunger signs (newborns physiologically need to suck 16/24 hours---or they will be sucking on you instead)
• Start pumping ASAP (your boobs need to 'train' and can't if you wait too long)
• Ask for help from anyone as often as possible (food, laundry, hangin with baby while you nap)
• Sleep while baby sleeps (who knows what you may be in for that night!)
• Dr. Karps' 5 S's (Shushing, Swaddling were key--use Aden+Anais muslin cotton swaddle blankets)
• Go for daily walks (rain or shine!)
• Put your baby down- especially once asleep. Constant holding= baby that needs constant holding.
• Wear your baby (Moby carrier, Ergo good (although I found infant insert a bit awkward)

Books--ideally read a little before baby arrives. It's nice to have a range of perspectives so you can find right approach for you and baby.

• 'Secrets of the Baby Whisperer' Tracy Hogg
• Dr. Harvey Karp's 'Happiest Baby on the Block'
• What to Expect in the First Year

Why I decided to blog about my baby...

After going through the most difficult and rewarding four months of my life... I thought I should share a few of my experiences with my friends who may have or be thinking of having children. There is a wealth of advice in books, the web and from anyone who bumps into you and your baby in public... But it's nice to know what has actually worked for one mom, from a current perspective! I am compiling info from a number of sources, but all has been tried and has worked for me...

I have to thank my friends and family for helping me navigate motherhood! I could not have managed without their helpful advice,laundry folding and food deliveries! 

That being said all babies are individuals and what works for one family, may not for the next. Here are a few things that work for me and my babe;)