Being a mother of a child who is not yet capable of talking is quite a challenge. In the beginning I would never know why she was crying as she had reflux and would just cry all the time.
Now, thankfully, the reflux is gone…but I still find myself scratching my head at times, wondering why Milla is grumpy and upset.
It could be anything from teeth to tiredness to a headache or an itchy bum – and she can’t tell me. Now, I know lots of cries and what they mean, but the difference between an ache cry and an itchy bum cry is beyond my capabilites as a mother thus far.
I do know the ‘don’t you dare put me in my sleeping bag and put me to bed’ cry. It happens three times a day; morning, afternoon and night. This has been the greatest battle lately and we have never had many sleep issues in the past.
It has become so bad though that quite often I will end up in tears too. I know she needs sleep, yet she will stand up and cry and fuss and carry on.
The other day I let her go, thinking that she will tire herself out and go to sleep. After a few minutes she was quiet and when I took a peek around the corner, she was chewing the top of her cot rail. As soon as she saw me she screamed with delight and said, “Boo!” At this point I couldn’t help but smile.
On another occasion I tried to leave her to cry and settle herself and when it was all quiet after a few minutes, I took a peek. The room was darkened and I couldn’t quite make out where she was so I entered her room. There she was at the end of the cot sitting up, head in her lap, and snoring.
On other days, she just wont settle and is too distressed for me to leave her. I even resorted to putting her in the car the other day as she had worked herself into such an overtired state.
I sought help from friends who have been to sleep school. I have already begun putting in place their fantastic tips and can see the gaps in my routine with her naptime.
I am happy to report that with their help, it only took five minutes for Milla to go to sleep this morning and without a lot of fuss. But I wont get too excited just yet. This afternoon could be a whole different story!

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baby by amy