Any tips for getting a 4 month old to go to bed?

[Kelly G]

Earplugs.

Sorry! I feel your pain. Our oldest (she was about 6mos old) was like this...we backed her bedtime ritual (dinner, bath, reading) up by 30 minute intervals over about a 3 week time frame. We started at midnight (her choice) to 8pm (our choice)...but she did wake up at about 6:30 am on this schedule....still a better way for us to live!

And once we put her down, we didn't go back and pick her up. we would only go in to rub her back, reassure her (if she was really upset - and we all know the difference between protest "drama" and being upset), and we'd quietly leave the room. She learned to entertain herself until she fell asleep.

I did have "Baby Beethoven Bedtime" for her (mostly because I wanted to expose her to classical music - my passion) and it does seem to settle them down. Now she's 17 and plays violin in her high school orchestra - and she often listens to classical as she goes to sleep.


Good luck - it will get better...we all promise!

 

[Gonzo]

Oh the days go by so fast! I have a '95 model Kennedy that was the same way. Kennedy Never slept at night! Not until she was 3 years old! What a turkey butt! I hate to say it, but hang in there. Have you tried getting her up a little earlier than 8am? Also, I'd ask my Peditrician what can be done. You may have to tweak naptimes. It's hard to do when they're that little. I know that a set schedule and routine is your best friend with babies! Good Luck!

 

[jenlynn4]

Thats what I was going to say. Get her up earlier in the morning and shorten the naps maybe. But if shes like my kids (I have 4) she will do what she wants. My younger son would never go to bed before 11 pm and now he is 8 and he still stays up way to late. He just cannot get to sleep! I was the same way. I wonder if its genetic or something. I still have problems sleeping. I never get tired till like 1 or2 but thats a problem because I have to get up at 6. Best of luck with her! JEN

 

[pokey]

ya know thats a funny thought that it may be genetic. i went to bed early when i was young, (still do) and got up early, and skyland seems to want to do that to. she even sleeps in the same position like i do. hmmmmmm.......makes you wonder.hope you get some sleep. maybe its time for a over nighter at grandma's!!