My 1 Year Old Preemie Won't Sleep...

Hi A. -

You can try a couple of things but I would check with your baby's MD first due to some of the complications she has.
-Try to put your baby to sleep in a swing. The swaying may help soothe her and the incline position may help with reflux/GI issues. You could also try the carseat but I think the swing works the best.
-Try Motrin instead of Tylenol. It is an anti-inflammatory vs. just a pain reliever and it lasts longer than Tylenol for teething.
-Ask your pedi if she should be on a proton pump inhibitor such as Protonix or Prilosec vs.Zantac for GI issues.
-Also you could try Orajel/Anbusol to try numbing her gums.
-Is your baby's room dark enough? If not try hanging a dark towel or sheet in front of the window. Make sure her room is cool, and you could try some soothing music or white noise.

I hope this helps Good Luck!

My daughter has reflux and I find that she sleeps better if she is propped up. We co-sleep (because I wouldn't get ANY sleep if we didn't) and I put pillows under the head of our mattress so that her head is elevated. It really has made a big difference. Good luck!

Hi A.!
So sorry to hear that you're dealing with so much right now. Taking care of children is exhausting and being exhausted yourself while you're trying to do it just doesn't work.

One piece of advice I would add to the others would be to get yourself (or have someone else get for you) is a baby sling. If she's not feeling well she's going to want comfort from Mom. A sling is a great way for her to get her contact and you to have your hands free to get things done if you need to. Maybe then she'll settle down and sleep better. It's also possible that as far as the sleeping goes she'll feel better sleeping in a more upright position to reduce the reflux but I'm sure your dr's have told you that already. Good luck.

A., I had a preemie too- she's eight now- and for a very long time she would only nap if she was laying on my chest. I know it breaks all the rules, but sometimes they have to be broken for everyones sanity!!! You may try napping with if you can get her down when the other is resting, or try snuggling her at night. It will be a habit to break later, but it may be worth it. The Dr's are not in your shoes, so you have to do what works in your house. Preemies have so many sensory issues, especially as early as she was, perhaps she needs white noise, or complete silence and total darkness. Maybe you can try a few different sleep condition. If she has reflux, it may help to tilt her mattress so she's not completely flat. I know it's been a difficult start for you both. I pray this will resolve soon!

Preemies sometimes have a hard time sleeping if the house is to quiet. White noise helps. also you might want to join ____@____.com proud mom of a 26 weeker now 8

Hi A.,
I know what it's like to need rest and not be able to get any. I would guess that possibly your daughter's health issues are keeping her awake. The physical stuff she's going thru sounds like it could be uncomfortable enough to keep her awake. I'm a mom of 7 and we've been thru some digestive type issues that affected sleep, too. If you don't already have the sleep book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," I would recommend getting it and trying some of his suggestion for establishing some good sleep habits. It's hard to know whether at this point it's just that she's off schedule because of health issues, or just because of age -- you just have to go with your gut on that one. But I know that even after our baby's health issues were resolved, we had to retrain him to sleep again. Also, the more over tired they get, the harder it is for them to then sleep well. I would try earlier bedtime at night, and also maybe an earlier nap time in the morning and afternoon, trying to catch her before she gets too overtired. But also, if you can't afford to hire someone to help, seek out a homeschooling group in your area, and see if you can get a teenager to come help you out. As a homeschooler myself, I know that many times, we have flexible schedules and can do stuff during the day. And many Christian homeschoolers would be willing to provide this type of help on a volunteer basis. I'm not sure where you are located, but I'd look into that, because you've got to take care of yourself in order to function as a mom. Believe me, I know -- not that I've always been able to do it either! Good luck.

I feel your pain. I have an awful time getting my 15 14 month old to sleep. I really think that its anxiety. I try to let him cry it out and as soon as I walk into his room he stops lays down and will fall asleep if I stay in the room. It could be just a phase so try to hang in there.