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Sleeping habits

Cat - posted on 10/14/2008 ( 9 moms have responded )

Hi I have 13 month old twin girls that will not go to sleep by themselves, I put them in to their cot and they scream and scream. Does any one else have this problem, I've done the control crying thing but they just get really worked up, I moved them across the hall into their own room when they were about 2 months, they used to sleep in their bassinetts really well, but i have had nothing but trouble since they went into their cots. I have 5 other children and i'm so exhausted. If anyone has any suggestions I would be so glad to hear them

thanks

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Krista - posted on 11/13/2008

Skipping naps is NOT GOING TO WORK. You will cause your child to become overtired, so please skip that advice. Babies need naps. What worked for us was a combination of Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Sleep Solution and Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child. I would put Noah in his crib after his bath, book, and nursing, drowsy but awake. then I would stay with him, shushing and patting his back, or turning on his glow worm, until he fell asleep. Once he learned he wasn't going to get picked back up, he began to accept that it was bedtime. This did take a LONG time, but I just couldn't abandon him and leave him crying alone in his crib. Ferber didn't work for us because the 5 minute checks would only get him more worked up and I knew I'd never be able to listen to him cry longer than 5 minutes. Also, an early bedtime, no later than 7:30 or 8pm, has really made a big difference for us. Good luck!!

AmyBith - posted on 11/10/2008

i have the same problem with my son. he stays asleep well if i put him to sleep, but he won't go down drowsy. i think i'm gonna check out the book suggested. i'll let you know if it helps me.

Keisha - posted on 11/08/2008

120

I dont have any advice just wanted to offer a hug ((HUGS))

Amy - posted on 11/07/2008

You poor thing. You have a lot of kids to manage. I disagree with the taking the nap out of their day. Children need naps. I know if my daughter does not get a nap she is cranky and overexhausted. SHe acts hyper and what I call sleep drunk. When Chloe started fighting me at bedtime I moved her bedtime up earlier. We have a routine we stick too and it has helped a lot. Having so many kids I don't know if you can get into routine?? Anyway are the other kids up playing while you are trying to put them to sleep? You might try starting a down time for all the kids before it is time for bed. This will help calm the house down and hopefully get your twins ready to sleep. Some kids just fight sleep. I also recommend "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" written by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. It is a good read. GOOD LUCK

Becky - posted on 11/07/2008

If you are a reader the book, Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child is wonderful. I have learned so much about my son who now sleeps 7p.m. to 7 a.m straight. It is really worth getting.

Emily - posted on 10/20/2008

I'm going to have to disagree with Amanda. When you skip a nap your daughter will only be more wired and not likely to fall asleep easy at night. There's an AMAZING book titled "Healhy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. In it a phrase is repeated over and over - "Sleep begets sleep". He says "The more rested you are, the easier it is to fall asleep and stay asleep. The more tired you are, the harder it is." He says that between 13 and 15 months a child should have one to two naps a day. I highly suggest checking this book out. We had this problem with my daughter who is now 14 months old. Thankfully now she's a great sleeper getting about 14 hours of sleep a day and I owe it all to the suggestions in this book. Hope I've helped. Good luck!

Emily - posted on 10/20/2008

I'm going to have to disagree with Amanda. There's this AMAZING book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" written by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. A phrase that is reiterated in the book is "sleep begets sleep". He says "The more rested you are, the easier it is to fall asleep and stay asleep. The more tired you are the harder it is." If you skip the nap your daughters will only be more wired and not likely to fall asleep easy at night. I highly suggest checking this book out. I had that problem with my daughter who is now 14 months old. She's a great sleeper now and I owe it all to this book. Good luck!

Jacqualine - posted on 10/17/2008

i had to do the controlled crying with my little boy. i couldnt imagine what it would be like with twins. the only thing i can suggest is, make sure they cant see each other when they go to bed, make sure they are well and truely tired enogh to sleep when you put them in. maybe even try putting one in at a time.

Amanda - posted on 10/14/2008

If they nap durning the day, I would not let them do that anymore . When my kids dont sleep or have lots of energy. I take them out for walks and let them run around outside until they are completely done. Then a warm bath with a vapour scent and it usuallys knocks them out.. Hopefuly that would work for you..