The Sleep Sabotager
With Superhero, our nighttime routine was as predictable as clockwork. No naps after 4 pm, bath-time at 5 pm, followed by a soothing massage, a change into pyjamas, a feed, and tucked into bed by 6 pm. He even dropped his nighttime feeds around 6 or 7 weeks old, and by the time he was six months, he was the epitome of a dream sleeper.
I couldn’t help but feel fortunate, but deep down, I knew that the next addition to our family might have different plans for me. And it seems those suspicions are coming to fruition…
Now, don’t misunderstand me; Little Guy does sleep, just not quite as soundly as Superhero did. While I can anticipate his daytime naps, the nighttime slumber remains a mystery. I’ve checked off all the usual suspects: he’s not hungry, not cold, doesn’t need to burp, and doesn’t require a diaper change.
So why, then, does he insist on waking up every half hour on some nights? By evening, around 8 or 9 pm, after gently coaxing Little Guy to sleep, I lay him in his cot and find myself thinking, “How long will this last?” It’s almost comical, the sheer unpredictability of our nights!
The Sleep Sabotagers
Another daily challenge I face is what I affectionately refer to as “The Sleep Sabotagers.” These are the individuals who, knowingly or unknowingly, disrupt our childrens’ sleep routine. Whether it’s insisting that the baby is always asleep when they’re around, attributing it to some mythical remedy, or disrupting a peaceful slumber with unnecessary interactions, they seem to have a knack for throwing off our delicate balance.
For instance, there’s the one who peeks in on a sleeping babe, causing unnecessary disturbance, or the one who doubts a tired baby’s need for sleep, insisting that they’re simply not tired. And let’s not forget the well-meaning soul who, upon seeing a contently sleeping baby, feels the need to scoop them up into their arms, convinced that’s where they truly belong.
Oh, the joys of dealing with the Sleep Sabotagers! Have you encountered any other antics from these well-intentioned disruptors?
Stay well, inside and out
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
P.S. If you appreciated this post, then sign up for my emails where I share more fabulous resources, mental health tips and wellness reminders.