We have discovered a small problem. Crosby is so easy to put down for naps and at bedtime. Sure, he may protest every now and then. But for the most part, piece of cake. However, we have noticed a trend of increased difficulty sleeping somewhere other than his bed.
I started to worry a bit after our trip to Louisville. He had a rough time going down in the pack-n-play while we were there. If you recall, he ended up sleeping in the bed with me 2 nights in a row. That hasn't happened since he was a teenie tiny thing.
Anyway, history repeated itself last night and today. We spent last night with my parents so we could visit and get a head start on a trip to Birmingham this morning. Our night went smoothly until it came time to put Crosby to bed. As soon as he hit the pack-n-play, the screams and tears started. We tried crying it out for a few minutes but it was obvious that wasn't going to work. He was out of his element and scared, I suppose. He did the same thing when I tried to put him down for a nap today in Birmingham. He was exhausted both times but couldn't fall asleep. He eventually passed out cuddled in bed with Blake last night. Then I transferred him to the pack-in-play. This afternoon, he just slept in my arms, which I admit, I sort of enjoyed! :)
We need to fix this. Overnights at the grandparents are rapidly approaching. I don't want them to deal with a fussy baby at bedtime. And I don't want him sleeping with the grandparents or us when we are away from home. I tried following the sleep gooroos advice of always putting him to sleep in his bed. But his bed can't go everywhere we do! Hmmmm...
Please share if you have any suggestions!!!!
Just thought I would seek advice on this minor dilemma.
Daddy Daughter Dance
8 years ago
6 comments:
I know you dont know me, I found your blog from the tuleys, and theirs from a mutual friend, but thought I might offer up a bit of pack and play advice for you. A friend suggested to me attaching some sort of "curtain" around the pack and play to block the view through the mesh sides (I used the REALLY big cloth diapers attached with safety pins to the outside of the pack and play) we've done this ever since our little guy was little bitty (he's now 2) and it's working great. He almost always sleeps well away from home, I think blocking the view just helps them NOT realize that they arent in their regular environment and keeps them from getting too scared (or from seeing the parents sleeping in the same room and wanting to join them!) hope this helps!
That is good advice and we had to do that same type thing in a hotel room when Natalie was 7 months old. Another thing we do, as insane as it sounds, is bring along the bumper pad....it is like a pillow to her...she nudges up against it all night long at home (and away). We also put some extra "padding" under the sheet to make it more comfy. As far as overnights at the grandparents, my Mom has an old crib.
We cut up an old eggshell to put under the pack-n-play sheet to make it more comfortable. We also take a small fan, to use as a noisemaker, with us whenever we take Rad to sleep somewhere other than his bed. Sometimes the strange noises of a new place would keep Rad too distracted to fall asleep.
After sleeping in a pack n play for a month while we were in SC, Liesl slept like a rock in her bed last night. However, I agree with Karina. We put an eggshell crate over the bottom of the pack n play and then put on of her favorite sheets on the bottom. We, also, use a fan for white noise. Liesl slept in a pack n play until she was 4 months old so she was a bit used to it. Maybe you could set up a pack n play at your house before you leave and let him sleep in it for a couple of days instead of the crib that way he kind of knows what's coming. There is nothing like your own bed, though!
We always draped a blanket or something over the mesh as well, so our babies couldn't see us. It seemed like seeing us made it worse. Also,we bring the crib sheet from home right off the bed, so it smells like home and seems to be comforting.
I usually try to have the pack and play set up as soon as we get there so that I can show our child where he will be sleeping for the night or nap time. I think they can understnad more than we think at this age. Both my boys sleep with lovies so we take those with us so that they have a piece of home with them. I just try to stick as close to our bedtime routines as possible and do as much introduction to the new setting prior to putting them down as possible. And then, I do not go back in. I realize this seems harsh but once you return they know they can get you back in on repeated crying sessions. Sometimes this has meant them crying through a nap time but then they are usually so tired that they have no trouble going down at night. I hope your next trip goes better. :)
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