I'm having sleeping issues with my toddler and 3 month old?

Question

I know this is absolutely horrible but my children sleep when they want they have no set nap or bed time. Since before the baby was born I decided I knew I was going to be up a lot so I let my toddlers sleep schedule slip and now where having issues cause she's tired and cranky all the time.
Now as for the baby she will not sleep unless I'm laying with her or unless she is in her swing or in the van. Now I want to get her in her crib for at least naps. She is just about 4 months old is it to late to swaddle her for her. I know for the most part I deserve this but our family will be going through some difficults times as my husband was diagnosed with cancer. So we can't have grumpy children around. I'm also not sure how to put my girls down to sleep if he's not home. Please help.

Answer 1

You simply need to decide what schedule you want your children on, and stick with it. It is not an easy transition, but it will be the best for them in the long run.

It normally takes an infant 1-2 weeks to adjust to a new routine. A toddler takes up to 2-3 weeks.

Stick to the routine/schedule you have decided on. That is the biggest challange. Don't give in.

Answer 2

first of all I want I want to say, it is not horrible that you she has no set sleep schedules. She is still a newborn. It is OK considering what you all have been through. It is not too late to work this out. Many women have this issue with their babies. I have heard "my baby will only sleep in their car seat" a million times! No biggie. Try getting her to fall asleep any way you can. After she has fallen asleep, put her in her crib! keep doing it, every time she falls asleep make sure to always put her in her crib. Also try putting her in her crib with one of your t-shirts that you have worn and has your smell on it. ( this may make her think you are right next to her) If you keep this up , it should help getting her use to her crib. I have done this same routine with both my girls after having the same problem. Good luck

Answer 3

its hard. i have a 3yr old boy and an 8 month old boy. the baby takes 10-20 minute cat naps. its weird, he suddenly is tired at 10 am and 7 pm.
so to some extent i think kids have their own comfortable sleep patterns, but when you see they are tired i think you have to make them take a nap, they need to. we tell our 3 year old that its quiet time and he can read books or play with some trains in bed. usually he'll fall asleep in a few minutes.
4 months is young to hope for a regular sleeping pattern, but i don't think too young to give up the swaddle.
then sometimes you just have to let them cry it out in the crib. they need to learn how to put themselves to sleep. then again, its so hard with 2, no one knows!
you could try whisky. pour yourself a nice makers mark over ice, turn off the monitor and kick your feet up, you deserve it.

Answer 4

just put them in bed at a schedualed bedtime. if the toddler gets up turn the lock around on the door and lock her in. its not mean they just need to learn they have to go to bed at a certain time. the baby you need to just let her cry in the crib. if you keep getting her up its just gonna be routine.