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I've recently taken on a new, part time 7 mo baby (2 days a week). The issue is that she is a breastfed baby who has been put down for naps by rocking and nursing to sleep before lying her down. The first day was an absolute nightmare, and I told DCM that it was too much stress on her baby and all of us in group care for her to be that miserable and constantly fussing. I held and rocked her for about 35 mins with constant crying and hiccups until she eventually dozed off. But of course, it didn't last long when I had to lie her down. There was a 2 week period where mom said she'd work with her, but come to find out, she meant other people rocking her to sleep. Not lying her down on her own. Now, she's doing the same thing because I suspect mom may not have worked on things as much as promised :/ she's such a great little baby whenever she isn't tired and fussing. But the naptime nightmare has to be figured out. What can I do to help her acclimate better? I've tried lying her down and rubbing her and soothing her, rocking her after she refused to nap and screamed for about 5 mins...doesn't matter. She still screams to nurse herself to sleep. Help?
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I suppose I should add that I've had to lie her down and let her cry it out for a little today, but she's obviously miserable and I'm afraid she'll wake the other kiddos... Although she's finally dozed off for the time being. I HATE letting her cry it out, but I really had no other choice today, as she was bucking and stiffening up in my arms
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At this point, if mom doesn't work on it at home, she will always be crying it out and you have to decide if you want to deal with or not. At two days a week, it will be an ongoing battle, but babies do realize teh difference between caregivers and I have trained babies to go down unassisted while here, even thought they are rocked and co-sleep at home. It can be done, but crying it out is a big part of it, as well as consistency. Again, not many providers will deal with that, so you need to do what is best for you. If you keep baby, then be super consistent. Feed, play, nap at same time everyday. Lay baby down, say night night, leave the room. I will go back in after fifteen minutes for some babies, but for others, it makes them even more upset, so for those, I just monitor from my video monitor and let them work it out.I suppose I should add that I've had to lie her down and let her cry it out for a little today, but she's obviously miserable and I'm afraid she'll wake the other kiddos... Although she's finally dozed off for the time being. I HATE letting her cry it out, but I really had no other choice today, as she was bucking and stiffening up in my arms
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Yes, that's what I've had to do today -- I attempted to lie her down first, she fussed for about 5 minutes, so I held her and attempted to soothe her about 10 mins (which she wasn't having), so I laid her back in the pack and play to let her cry it out. It took her a bit, but she DID fall and stay asleep. So I guess maybe there is hope for improvement
. I am structured, I just hate having to teach it to brand new little ones like this who were allowed to make their own routine :/ I'll definitely give it time; but if it comes down to it, the wellness of the group as a whole comes first, and if baby can't adjust, she may not be suited for my daycare. But I'm sure you all know the feeling, having a new baby screaming bloody murder with no idea how to help them! Lol
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I totally understand! The thing is, we can't do much else to help them by doing anything other than letting them fall asleep. Their parents are the ones who can help them by doing the same thing at home that we have to do at daycare. As long as needs are met and baby is just needing sleep, then you are actually meeting her needs by letting he fuss and figure it out. Too bad mom and dad don't do the same thing at home, but that would make this job to easy :Yes, that's what I've had to do today -- I attempted to lie her down first, she fussed for about 5 minutes, so I held her and attempted to soothe her about 10 mins (which she wasn't having), so I laid her back in the pack and play to let her cry it out. It took her a bit, but she DID fall and stay asleep. So I guess maybe there is hope for improvement. I am structured, I just hate having to teach it to brand new little ones like this who were allowed to make their own routine :/ I'll definitely give it time; but if it comes down to it, the wellness of the group as a whole comes first, and if baby can't adjust, she may not be suited for my daycare. But I'm sure you all know the feeling, having a new baby screaming bloody murder with no idea how to help them! Lol : But, as you said, if it comes down to messing up the group dynamic, then don't hesitate to term and find another kid (and parents) who fit better.
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