Advice/support on coping with an 8 week old who doesn't sleep and a toddler

(6 Posts)
Rachsmirnoff12 Mon 17-Feb-14 16:00:40

Hi there,
Not really sure if anyone will be able to offer any help but here goes my rant...
My 8 week old doesn't like sleeping anywhere: moses basket, car seat, pram, chair. Only occasionally will he sleep in the sling. The issue is that, whereas with my first, I had the time to spend patting/walking/shushing etc, with a toddler I don't. I feel guilty plonking her in front of peppa while I try and rock the baby to sleep - and then he doesn't sleep (or, if I'm lucky maybe for 20 mins). He gets so overtired, it seems like he spends the whole day grizzly... with me constantly trying to get him to sleep!
Tbh this isn't fun... and not how I imagined having my second. I am getting stressed worrying about his sleep and not spending quality time with both my children. Sounds terrible but I am wishing the time away to when he will sleep better and easier.
Anyone else had similar issues?

JiltedJohnsJulie Mon 17-Feb-14 19:05:33

Sounds really tough. My DC1 wouldn't sleep and it's really tiring isn't it?

Will he sleep on you? If so, could you use that time to read to dc1 or do playdough? There are some more tips on kellymom.

If he will sleep sometimes in the sling can you feed and change him then go out for a walk with dc1? Even if its raining she may enjoy jumping in muddy puddles like Peppa.

Could you walk to a playgroup too? My dc2 loved going along to playgroup and being in the sling and it meant I could play with dc1 a bit.

Does your toddler still nap? If so, could you go to bed with DS whilst she's asleep?

Have you read 31 ways and has he been checked for matters tongue tie tongue tie? Whilst everything you say sounds normal, it might be worth getting him checked smile

mumofboyo Mon 17-Feb-14 19:33:41

I haven't got any useful advice really apart from perhaps try a mechanical swing and see if that helps? Dd practically lived in hers for months as she was safe from toddler ds, was in a more upright position to help avoid being sick and the movement and sounds helped soothe her.

It feels hellish at the moment but it does get much easier quickly; I found that as dd met her milestones and inched her way towards greater independence things became less fraught and more fun. She's 16 months now and ds is nearly 3.

Rachsmirnoff12 Mon 17-Feb-14 19:44:06

JiltedJohnsJulie: yes, massively tiring! He will sleep in a sling but not for very long... 20 mins or so and then I have to spend time getting him back off. Thanks for your suggestions... very helpful and appreciated.

Rachsmirnoff12 Mon 17-Feb-14 19:47:02

mumofboyo: thanks for the swing suggestion. I haven't tried that so will give it a go. Really hope it gets easier quickly. I guess what I really want is for him to settle into a routine which is predictable and then to go down for naps easily (and quickly) so I can give both my children what they need. hmm... easier said then done!

JiltedJohnsJulie Mon 17-Feb-14 21:02:34

The swing did work for our DS, it was the only way I could eat with both hands smile

If you want to aim for a routine, try Babycalming by Caroline Deacon. I read it before having DC2 and really wish I'd read it before having Dc1 smile

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