Saturday, June 5, 2010

Mission Sleep Routine

Okay all you mommies out there I need your help. I know I haven't posted in almost 7 months, but schools out for summer and I am on a mission to create a routine for my daughter. She is now 13 months and has no sleep schedule (this is not for lack of trying). She has a good eating schedule, I think, but her naps are sporadic. She usually naps after her bottles, but the amount always changes and sometimes she doesn't sleep after the second bottle. Her naps usually range from 30 minutes to an hour. Then when it comes to night time she goes to bed between 10 and 10:30. Then she will wake up in the middle of the night 3-4 times a week and usually wakes up in the morning between 6:30 and 7:30. I have asked my doctor and she said if she isn't crabby during the day then she is just a baby who doesn't need a lot of sleep. ARGH! Doesn't she know mommy is someone who needs sleep.
I just don't know what to do. Are things fine the way they are? My friends babies have a "nap time", shouldn't Ella? Do I let her cry in her crib for an hour at nap time? Do I put her to bed at 8:30 and let her cry? I had a friend post an article on facebook about the negative affects of the "cry it out" method. I don't want my daughter to have separation issues, but I also want her to have routine and structure. I just want to make sure I am doing what is the best thing for her. If anyone stumbles across this post and has any suggestions they are greatly appreciated!