Mr. Sandman

Quinn has gotten really clingy since I have been on summer vacation. I think it can be attributed to the perfect storm of events- Quinn getting hand, foot, mouth, plus having surgery, her age, and having the same caretaker home with her all the time. Part of this clinginess included a refusal to be put down at night into her bed. She would be fast asleep in my arms, but would wake up and cry if I tried to put her down. Some nights this would go on for two hours, which is just too long.

I decided, after an insightful conversation with Becca, to start treating her bed like the car seat. This just basically means whining or crying doesn't get her out of her car seat, and it was no longer going to get her out of bed either. However, just like in her car seat, I would provide comfort- music, hand holding, etc.

We started this a week ago, and the results have been amazing so far. I rock her for 15 minutes (because I am not nearly ready to give up cuddle time with her), and then I lie her in her bed. She usually cries a little, but I tell her to lie down, and we will hold hands, and she calms right down. And last night, she just gave me a big hug, and got right into bed. I then lie on the flier next to her until she falls asleep, which has only been taking 15-20 minutes.

The unexpected side effect of this new bedtime routine is Quinn is sleeping through the night-in her own bed. I love the idea of co-sleeping, but Q is known to pull hair in her sleep, sleep side ways, and want to party at 4 am. I hate to admit it, but it has been nice to have her sleeping in her own bed. I do miss her little body in bed with us some nights, but I think everyone is sleeping better this way.

I am sure this will all be thrown out the window when we go on vacation in a few weeks, but hopefully, we can resume our new routine once we get home.

The first night Quinn was not super happy with the arrangement and ended up falling asleep with her blanket over her head in protest. (I removed it as I left the room.)