Advice Needed - Toddler sleep troubles

No real advice I'm afraid but I just wanted to say that I can understand your frustrations.
My DS2 will be 2 tomorrow and he sleeps through maybe once a fortnight, if we're lucky. For him, it's not his ears but his teeth; I've never know such a bad teether. His teeth come through one at a time and they grow so slowly, he starts getting distressed as soon as they start moving under the gum and will continue with nightime screaming until the tooth is fully erupted, this can take 1-2 weeks per tooth.
Like your DD, he will make himself sick if I leave him to cry for more than a couple of minutes. Although we are working on this.
My DS2 also wont be settled by anyone other than me. I'm soooo tired.

To me, your DD sounds like she's convinced herself that she can't sleep without you. I would suggest going back to your HV and asking if there's a local sleep clinic you could get some one-to-one "tuition" from.
I hope you manage to find a solution. I'm just thankful that my DS2 only has 5 more teeth to come!

Going into labour second time around

My 2 labours were very different.
DS1 was 14days overdue - I went into natural labour on the day I was due to be induced. First labour started with period pains which gradually intesified but never got unbearably painful. I had my waters broken because I wasn't dilating fast enough and the MWs were concerned I'd get too tired. After waters were broken things progressed really well. The MWs had to tell me to push because I didn't get that overwheming urge I'd heard so much about. I think I was pushing for 45mins-ish. DS1 weighed 8lb10oz. I never saw my labour notes so I don't know how long my labour was recorded as.

DS2 was 6days early - I had gestational diabetes so I knew I would have to be induced. I was expecting pessary then drip etc but when I was examined, the MW discovered I was dilated enough to just go ahead and break my waters . Within an hour of breaking waters I was having definite contractions and my god they hurt! The contractions were getting too much for me so I called the MW in, she examined me and I was distraught to learn I was only 5cm. I couldn't believe it because I thought I was getting the urge to push, the MW explained that in 2nd labours it's quite common to go from a small to dilation to to 2nd stage in a matter of minutes! Sure enough DS2 made an appearance about 5 contractions later. When the urge to push came there was no mistaking it, I swear wild horses pulling in the opposite direction wouldn't have stopped him. DS2 weighed 6lb8oz. Labour was officially recorded as 51mins.

Liz x

feel useless, need some support/advice!!

Hi

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way, you're not useless, not by any stretch of the imagination.
It sounds like you have a willful 3yr old. I have a very willful 4yr old who will try again and again to assert his authority over me. My main piece of advice is to stand your ground. You are the boss, not him, and he needs to know that he can't "bully" you and his Daddy into bending to his demands. It will mean more tantrums while he gets used to the adjustment but keep in mind the end result - a sociable, well-behaved toddler.
What discipline methods do you currently use? You may need to toughen-up and be really consistent so that he understands his unacceptable behaviour has consequences.

Good luck.

Liz x

Can I get away without a double buggy?

Hi

My son was 29mths was my DS2 came along. I didn't use a double buggy or a buggy board because the pavements where I lived were just not suitable. My DS2 was only a dinky 6lb8oz so I used a baby carrier and pushed my DS1 in the buggy if we were going somewhere that was too far for him to walk.

Putting baby down to nap

Honestly I don't think there is a "too young" age to introduce a gentle routine. But, if it's making you stressed then take it at your own pace.
I used the EASY routine with my DS2 (who was exculsively BF) which I think is from the Baby Whisperer, although I haven't read the whole book. It helps to break the association between breast/bottle and sleep, I would recommend it.

Both my DS have napped in their cribs/cots when in the house. I have no idea why your HV thinks this might make them reject their bed at night. Sticking to a bedtime routine at night will teach LO that their crib/cot is a nice, safe, comfy place to sleep and also help them to distinguish between daytime naps and night sleep.

Good luck with whatever you chose x

Toddler getting hit by others everyday

While I sympathise for your situation I have to agree with the other ladies: teaching your son to hit back will not solve the problem.
If you teach him that violence is acceptable how long will it before your son is the one handing out the intial punches? As the mum of a 4yr with anger/behavioural issues I can say first-hand how awful it is to have a violent child, luckily my son doesn't take his anger out on other children (apart from his younger brother).

anyone

Hi

I very rarely check on here anymore. I've found a new forum but I wont name it here because whenever I do my posts get removed (thanks Ed. if you're reading this!).

Eddison is well. He's still very dinky - scrapes 22lbs and just into 12-18mth clothes. Nights are still a challenge for us, he sleeps through maybe once or twice a week but even when he does it's a 5:45-6am start. He's beginning to say a few words - Ta, May (mummy), meow, quack, moo, beep, uh-oh, yeah and he'll shake his head for "no". His understanding is improving and he'll obey simple instructions.

We've recently moved house and I'm much happier in our new area. But my hubby leaves 21st Aug for 4 months in The Falklands as part of his RAF service and I'm not looking forward to being a single parent. My eldest starts school in Sept which is exciting and scary in equal measures!

Liz x

moved to The Nest

if anyone finds it a bit stale and a rubbish format over here then please have a peek at:
www.thenestforum.co.uk

There are loads of the regular BE posters over there and it's also got a couple of busy forums that are dedicated to non-baby chat *gasp*.

Anyway, thanks so much for all your help and support with Eddison and hope to see you at The Nest.

Liz x

16 month old still wakes every night

Nessie76 - I like your idea. Think I'll give it a try over the next week.

So glad I found this thread, at least I know I'm not alone!

Liz x

Nasty nappies, inc poo description TMI alert!

For the past 2 days Eddison, 13.5mths, has had bad poo.
It's the consistency of Mr Whippy and the colour of dry sand and he's been going about 4 times a day (he's usually a once-a-day boy). I've never experienced anything like it before and I'm not sure what to attribute it to.
He is teething (top 2nd inscisors)but he's not showing any other signs of being unwell. He and his brother have always eaten lots fruit & veg and I've not introduced any new foods, but I have started giving him a beaker of dilute apple juice with breakfast because he kept trying to pinch his bro's open cup of juice.
He's not got nappy rash and his bottom doesn't look particularly sore, a little red but not raw.

Any suggestions?

Liz x

moved to The Nest

Nasty nappies, inc poo description TMI alert!

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