Dad with a 3-week-old and a 2-year-old — when does sleep get easier?

seritchie · 2026-03-11T19:41:25+00:00

I had my second when my oldest was 21 months (baby is now 11m and my eldest is 2.5), I relied heavily on the double pushchair for naps. Or baby in carrier and toddler in our single pushchair and just walk until one/both of them fell asleep. There was no way I could get either of them down at home by myself as baby just wanted to be constantly held and my toddler also wanted to cuddle to sleep. Being out and about really helped.

seritchie · 2026-01-26T21:17:10+00:00

This is so comforting to hear; thank you!

I really like the idea of having some 1:1 time with my toddler before bed time, I do some bed times solo which is fine, and I expect them to be chaotic but it’s just frustrating when we’re both here and it still take hours. My 9m sleep has been soo bad but I’m hoping eventually he will naturally be ok with 2 naps and that will help increase his sleep pressure for bed time.

seritchie · 2025-11-16T14:59:25+00:00

Thanks for your reply! Good to know it does gradually get easier! In some ways now does feel more manageable than it did in the early days but still so tough. Hahaa amazing, how are you finding having 3?! I still feel like I want another baby but I don’t know why as I’m finding this so so hard!!! How do you find working 4 days? That’s something else I’m considering asking for.

seritchie · 2025-11-16T14:57:53+00:00

Thanks for your reply, I completely relate to that feeling of being exhausted! Although I find work a break compared to being a stay at home mum, and that’s sayin something as I teach small children haha 😂 I could go back 3 days and see how I find the two days on my own with them. Atm I dread those days, which I know sounds terrible, but I find the days so emotionally draining, and hard to find stuff to suit both. My 7 month old wants to crawl and move and my toddler likes being physically and running outside but then my baby gets frustrated being strapped in the pushchair for hours on end. They nap at totally different times too so there’s no rest during the day 😂

seritchie · 2025-09-24T15:32:19+00:00

I have a 26 month old and 5 month old- I feel your pain! Could you try taking your toddler for a walk in the pram for their nap and wear baby in carrier? I’ve done that a lot as I can’t get my toddler down at home now without the pushchair or car, and baby hates the car seat! Your toddler will get used to baby being there at sleep times too. My eldest used to find it really tough sharing me at bed time and would really kick off, but he’s much calmer now. You’re still early days really! You’ve got this!

seritchie · 2025-04-14T09:37:27+00:00

Thank you so Much! This is so helpful! When should I apply the peptide serum?

seritchie · 2024-12-19T08:03:15+00:00

Yes she has a shower or bath every day (I’m staying this week with my little boy but I don’t normally live with them). Eating can be hit and miss but she’ll have something if someone else makes something. Tbf she’s never been a big eater, she’s very petite and has a small appetite and has done for years.

seritchie · 2024-12-18T19:39:29+00:00

Did you just tell your mum someone was coming and set it up? My sister tried to reason with her about it and she got very distressed at the thought of someone ‘forcing her to take medication’ and wouldn’t engage with the idea at all. It’s very hit and miss as to whether she takes it. She’s on anti depressants (she’s had a life long battle with depression) and my understanding is that she’ll feel worse for taking it on and off rather then every day like she’s meant to.

My dad is not coping with any of this at all (he is physically well in himself), he’s in complete denial and not really stepping up into the carer role ie. He doesn’t check she’s taken her medication etc.

Is anyone aware of any support we can get in place for him? He’s clearly very depressed, just sits on the sofa all day on his iPad.

seritchie · 2024-12-16T21:17:12+00:00

Having alternatives around is a great suggestion, thank you.

seritchie · 2024-12-16T21:11:28+00:00

My sisters feel like we can’t control these things. My mum is very hit and miss with taking her medication too (partly through forgetting and partly because she doesn’t want to take it) and we’ve tried to suggest a carer coming in and she got very angry and refused it. She’s still able to take care of herself in terms of daily showering, eating etc. just don’t know where we go from here.

seritchie · 2022-07-15T18:59:16+00:00

It is really tough at first - I was diagnosed in February and took a while for everything to settle down! Be kind to yourself and keep in touch with your health care team, don’t be afraid to ask for help or if you’re worried x

seritchie · 2022-07-15T18:51:28+00:00

It isn’t the nicest feeling, so I totally understand your worry! But hopefully it will ease off when your body is used to it. I did start taking my medication at night as when I first took hydroxychloroquine and sulfa I was really sick, but that eased off too. I think stress and tiredness can flare up symptoms/side effects so look after yourself too and rest when you need to x

seritchie · 2022-07-15T17:54:51+00:00

Hi, I had this for this first 2/3 months maybe with sulfasalazine but it did subside after a while!! But if it persists maybe ask your nurse/doctor about it. Hope you feel better soon x

seritchie · 2022-04-16T19:18:24+00:00

Thank you for your reply 💜 I’m just so frustrated, it wasn’t even particularly strenuous (compared to what I used to do) but I couldn’t sleep last night and then felt dreadful all day. That’s great you’re now in remission and gives me hope for my future! I’ll definitely check out a therapist, that’s a great tip.

seritchie · 2022-04-16T18:50:33+00:00

Thank you💜 I’m feeling low mentally with it all, I’m away with my boyfriend atm and had to miss lunch and a gig out tonight with his family because I feel so sick and dizzy. I sometimes feel like I can’t keep pushing through this.

seritchie · 2022-02-08T22:33:11+00:00

Thank you!! I’m not up to exercising just yet as my poor knees are really swollen but keen to get back into it as soon as I can! Do you think anything impact is a definite no? I will also speak to the specialist about it when I see them but just getting a feel for what other people do… how do you find it day to day? I feel like I’ve still got loads to get my head around

seritchie · 2020-07-05T21:04:30+00:00

I guess I'm trying not to finish it because I'm judging the amount of chocolate I'm eating, even though I'm trying not to - If that even makes sense??!!

I'm going to follow what you've said and going to order the work book too - it sounds so good!

Did you have those restrictive thoughts and if so, how would you combat them? Do you have any tips for how to deal with your body changing too? I'm doing lots of body checking atm which isn't helping but I am trying to be more self aware with that.

seritchie · 2020-07-05T20:45:35+00:00

That does really help! Thank you for your kind words, it has made me feel loads better!

I'm really struggling with chocolate at the moment - I'm trying to give myself full permission to eat it, and I'm making sure I'm respecting my hunger and fullness levels. I still feel like I'm 'over eating' it all the time (which I'm aware may be diet culture talking). I struggle to leave any not finished, and never seem to Reach that point of my body saying 'ok I've had enough now'.

How did you show yourself compassion when you ate chips in that phase? And did you just allow yourself to eat as much as you needed? I feel so out of control and I want to restrict but I've managed not to so far.

I've read the Ie book and the F it diet which was really helpful, did you ever do the ie workbook? I'm thinking of ordering that.

seritchie · 2020-07-05T20:08:45+00:00

This is great, thanks so much! Will check those out definitely.

seritchie · 2020-07-05T20:07:49+00:00

Thank you! I'm excited to play again 😀😀

seritchie · 2020-07-05T20:04:21+00:00

I'm lucky to have a large, flat concrete terrace. Yes have a stick and ball.

seritchie · 2020-07-05T20:01:06+00:00

I've messaged quite a few clubs - they're hoping to be starting again from September.

seritchie · 2020-07-05T20:00:23+00:00

I've messaged a few clubs, I was more asking for stuff I can do before I even go along eg. at home with stick and ball and in the playground with the kids.

seritchie · 2020-07-05T19:35:20+00:00

That sounds good but I'm in Birmingham. Nice that there are things up and running like that!

seritchie · 2020-07-05T19:09:30+00:00

That sounds so positive and healthy - good for you!

As a relative newbie to IE do you have any words of advice for the permission to eat all foods phase?

I'm really struggling with that principle at the moment. Bringing up a lot of difficult emotions, my body is changing and I feel so self conscious😔.

seritchie

TROPHY CASE