Unpredictable

[DolphineGirl]

I know this is one of the main characteristics of a high need baby, but how do you cope with it? Last week he was like an angel, at least from Monday to Thursday. Long naps, and still sleeping through the nights. Then on Friday he changed again, no long naps during the day, but no problems with nights. Ever since then I am unable to put him down to nap during the day. I am exhausted, because eventhough he sleeps through the night he wakes up for the day between 5 and 6 a.m. and then that's it.... It is past 3 p.m. and I am tired. I played with him, I fed him, I changed I do not know how many diapers and I would need some down time myself. But little one won't sleep. I tried to rock him, no results....right now he is behind me in his bassinet, I swadled him, but he hates it, I am playing some white noise, he does not react to it, at least he is not crying now, trying to soothe himself by sucking on his hand. I just know that if I do not manage to put him down for a nap or two for the rest of the afternoon he will be unbearably cranky and fussy by 6.30 p.m. Any advise? I just feel I am reaching the end of my wits.

[nursemommy]

I did the 5 S's for a while and he fell asleep! I would then put him in his crib and that was it!

[DolphineGirl]

Thank you. What is this 5 S actually? How did you do that?

[fbsurvivor]

The unpredictable nature is very frustrating.  You might try taking him outside, going to public places (depends on age), and going for walks.  They need a lot of stimulation and that may tire him out some.  Have you tried a sling?

The 5Ss are from Harvey Karp's Happiest Baby on the Block.  If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.

[Hollyadmin]

Dolphingirl: Here is some info about the 5 S's: http://www.thefussybabysite.com/coping/the-happiest-baby-on-the-block.  I would also HIGHLY recommend getting the book and/or DVD!  It's great that you're swaddling him and using white noise, but sometimes it just takes the right combination of soothing techniques to get them sleeping right.

The unpredictability is most definitely a key trait of high need babies! (and, in my opinion, one of the most annoying traits!). My son has always been unpredictable, in pretty much every regard. He's much more predictable now, as a preschooler, though. In fact, he works very well with routines, and actually really seems to need them.

What worked for Sammy for naps was to swaddle him (very snug!), put on the white noise, and jiggle him up on my shoulder. This almost always knocked him out within a minute!