OTBTN - 2 week Update

So the sleep training has been going ok. 

For once I feel like I have some control back over my nights

I feel comfortable leaving Dan at home for a night out after 7pm

because I know at least 1 or 2 of the boys are already asleep.

It's still sporadic and we have some bad nights

but its mostly been a huge change in the positive for us

However, the time change has screwed us

the boys have been getting up at 6/630 instead of 7/730

It get lighter so much earlier in the am, but the darkness at night has helped with the bedtime

so a trade off I guess.

Another hard part is the routine..

It's hard to consistently have dinner ready every night by 6

Luke bathed and in bed by 630

Boys in the bath at 645

We had a couple of set backs this past week

so I wrote to our sleep consultant and this is what she had to say

 
Wanted to check in with you on a couple things.

1.       Luke was doing so well. Sleeping from 7 to about 5 am. Then I would feed him and he would sleep till about 8. Now he is up 2-3 times a night screaming (what I think is in pain and arching his back.) He will cry for about 45 minutes. By then I go in and feed him and try to soothe him. Would you suggest to let him still cry? Maybe he is teething? Growth spurt? Upset with new foods being introduced?Is he 7 months now?  How much does he weigh?  Without those answers, I'd advise you to let him fuss/cry!  Most kids start waking multiple times in the night at this age b/c they are ready to go 12 hours.  I've seen this many times over the years-there just comes a point when they need food less in the night and more sleep (when the one feeding starts to disrupt their entire night).  I'd say no more feeding!!!

If teething (is he?  you know signs/symptoms?), give motrin 8 hour (infant) and he should be fine all night.  Other options--Hylands teething tablets.  Try to comfort him as much as possible during the day by massaging gums, teething tabs, teething toys, Sassy teething sack or teething crackers to help reduce inflammation.  Most kids don't wake b/c of teething that many times in the night.

I doubt it's tummy upset.

2.       Since the day light savings change, Brandon has been getting up at 6 am. He sits there yelling. Should we still leave him until 7?Yes, bed at 7pm and not up before 7am.  Was he sleeping a full 12 hours before the change?  If yes, then he needs 12.  So, leave him.  He'll eventually fall into the new time.

3.       Nicky – for the last 4 days has been coming downstairs around 4 – 5am to sleep in bed with us. He has NEVER slept with us, never come down by himself, and never just slept in bed with us even if we are tired on a weekend. He says he is surprising us and is so happy. Hugging and kissing us. Like he found a way to surprise us  - it’s cute, and we sleep, but I worry that this could spiral out of control. I keep reminding him that he has to stay in his room until its light.Yes, this is soo cute but will quickly spiral out of control.  Walk him back to his room and tuck him back into bed.  If it comes to it, you much lock him in.  Give him one chance and if he comes back down again, put him back to bed and tell him you are locking the door (warn him on the first return to his room, too).

Thoughts?