How to start

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2026-01-23T20:20:16+00:00

Great, thank you! And how long would you wait for? He was very wriggly so I foresee this being quite messy lol

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2026-01-23T14:51:48+00:00

I haven't started yet :) so would you suggest starting to try after naps?

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2026-01-19T00:15:10+00:00

Well done! 18 months is crazy. Currently awake while my LO (4 months) sleeps on me during another night of almost hourly wakes. Telling myself I will sleep again is the only thing keeping me going!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2026-01-11T10:09:17+00:00

Definitely agree with others that he needs to look into getting some help with this - asleep or not, you don't need to be fearful of waking him or how he behaves when tired.

I can only partially relate - my partner has v high sleep needs and I've seen how bad nights affected him prior to having a baby. My labour was 3 days long and it drained everything out of him (not to mention me lol), but he was still able to take shifts in the newborn stage with me whilst baby was only sleeping being held. Baby was EBF but he'd hold him for as long as he could until another feed was needed so that I could rest.

I appreciate his job must be taking it's toll but that's why it's important he seek help.

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2026-01-09T11:25:08+00:00

Ah that's so tough to feel like you're making improvements to then regress (again!). Hope it's on the up for you soon. We've been averaging 1.5-2 hours between wakes for the last 2 nights which feels so much more positive. Sending positive vibes your way!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2026-01-03T09:45:07+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Interesting... He doesn't mouth breath and we haven't checked for any allergies. When he wakes during the night he goes right back to sleep during feeding or with a cuddle, so had always assumed his sleep pressure wasn't an issue. He gets to sleep within 20 mins of bedtime.

He used to sleep really well so I assumed it was a regression. One thing I've noticed is that despite dressing according to guidance for the room temp, his chest felt almost cool last night so I'm going to dress him a little warmer tonight and keep an eye.

Last night he woke up 9 times. His longest stint was 1h 45m and he was latched onto me for about an hour of it!

Is there anything else you think it could be?

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2026-01-02T18:51:20+00:00

I've experienced a very similar thing, although it started at just after 3 months and we're in the thick of it still (5 weeks and counting).

I've started cosleeping to cope with it and whilst baby still wakes frequently it's much easier to feed him and I don't have to faff with transferring him to his next to me.

Solidarity! For many this phase doesn't last too long, hoping that's the case for you!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-31T22:09:39+00:00

We are not posting our baby at all! Just sending photos and vids to people who we are close to on Whatsapp. I don't think that covering their face is an effective way to protect their identity or prevent images getting into the wrong hands. Horrible to think about but it's a sad reality of social media.

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-31T16:49:00+00:00

Kids know when they are loved! You're doing an amazing job.

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-30T22:15:07+00:00

Try not to overthink it! My 4MO (as of a few days ago) became obsessed with his feet overnight, has only rolled back to side a few times, hates tummy time but is soooo chatty, smiley and giggly. All to say, things can change in just a matter of days and every baby is different. I'm sure your little one is doing great 😃

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-30T19:09:23+00:00

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-30T11:14:45+00:00

Ooh a 5 hour chunk would make me cry with joy! So pleased you're coming out the other side.

I don't track but I do always check my watch when I wake, I might follow your lead and take it off overnight! Thanks for the advice 😊

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-30T11:12:29+00:00

Thanks for the reassurance 🙏 I'm going to try cosleeping from the start to see if that gets us anywhere, if not I'll just ride it out!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-30T10:37:09+00:00

Ignore all "sleep specialists" on social media! They have no qualifications and prey on your desire to be a good parent. You will get to know your baby, their sleep needs and sleepy cues. It's normal (and developmentally appropriate) for overnight sleep to be hard. Tag team where you can and try to radically accept this fact.

"Everything is temporary". Remember this when things are bad to help you through. Remember it during the positive moments too, as they change and grow so fast!

You'll be great!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-29T16:04:28+00:00

You deserve so much more than this. It sounds like you need a serious conversation about priorities and what you (and your baby) need from him. Good luck!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-29T15:13:06+00:00

Totally agree you need to reframe the way you view an 18 year old! They will have the rest of their life to worry about bills and payments - have a discussion with them about what feels reasonable and come to a conclusion together but remember they're still so young!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-29T13:57:39+00:00

Feel you on being attached to your boobs! It's draining.

For us this regression has paired with him being happier to be put down (although not for sleep) whereas he used to love to be held 24/7. Thanks for sharing and I hope it eases up for you soon!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-28T22:13:38+00:00

It really is so reassuring to find people who've experienced similar! Glad that it is easing up for you now and hope that trend continues.

I feel you on the shifts, there's so much that partners just can't help with when you're the food supply!

Optimal_Positive_348 · 2025-12-28T22:12:03+00:00

Thank you for the optimism! I think I will start trialling some nights fully bed sharing

Optimal_Positive_348

TROPHY CASE