https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:09:39 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1801032 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:07:08 +0000 Zbug 1801032@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second trying to run or walk with baby in the stroller. It may get a bit easier soon to try other stuff. As long as I don't mind interruptions and have a bunch of toys set up near me, I can (sometimes) do a workout video while dd (10 mo) plays near me</p> <p>I used to have the exact same problem for naps, but it's getting so much better. She will sleep fairly well for at least the first 30 min (often way more) she sometimes wakes up from her nap early, so I nurse her back down and stay with her. Big improvements have happened though. </p> <p>We aren't into CIO, but you might want to check out the no cry sleep solution. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800972 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:43:06 +0000 Freckles 1800972@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can sleep train without having to do cry-it-out (sorry, i don't believe the two are the same thing!). I find that it takes a good week of being consistent with a method to make it work, rather than trying different techniques every day. It really does sound like he needs to learn to fall asleep on his own somehow.</p> <p>Do you think you could do some sort of workout with him in the carrier, or have him nap in the stroller while you go for a walk/run? Before LO finally started napping in her crib, all of her naps were in the stroller. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800963 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:39:40 +0000 bunnylove08 1800963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Picnic: I feel your pain. I have no advice. Our DD was the same way. We ended up co sleeping with her and when she would fall asleep I would sneak out and have some alone time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800887 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:21:34 +0000 Mamasig 1800887@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also find this totally normal. Probably because my little boy has low sleep needs and I don't really have any "me" time unless you count work. I'm also not really into sleep training. I figure this is just normal baby development. Basically, I just want to tell you that you aren't alone! I just figure, he'll grow up soon enough and I'll miss this time. </p> <p>But if you feel like that this is negatively affecting you, then definitely try to make a change. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800873 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:16:11 +0000 Weagle 1800873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It seems to me like you're going to need to take some big steps in getting him to sleep alone. And take some steps towards your DH doing some of the work. Of course your LO will initially protest something different in the routine, but babies adapt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800855 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:07:52 +0000 Smurfette 1800855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like he can't put himself to sleep. Waking up and needs you there. I would sleep train. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800851 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:04:27 +0000 Greentea 1800851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I honestly find this all totally normal. If you find you really need some time to relax for a moment, how about DH doing one of the nightly routines- like bathtime, so you can take a breather? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800784 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:36:10 +0000 avivoca 1800784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up doing CIO because holding/rocking/nursing to sleep wasn't working anymore. For working out, once she hit six months I started running with her in the jogging stroller after work and going to a barre class on the weekends at the gym. It's the only way I can get some form of exercise in. Before that though, I was in the same situation: no 'me time' and going stir crazy. I hope things get better for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800755 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:27:12 +0000 lady grey 1800755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Def sounds like he needs to learn to fall asleep without help. We did CIO with my son but he was 5 months so not pulling up yet. We used the Sleep Easy Solution. It might be worth a read even if you're feeling that CIO may not be right for you. Our life after sleep training was so. much. better.!!</p> <p>Before we sleep trained I would nurse LO to sleep in our bed and then quietly get up. I could get about 20-30 mins if me time in that way. Not really enough but it's all I could get. LO wasn't rolling yet tho. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800665 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 09:51:22 +0000 Pirouette 1800665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a LO the same age, and while i don't have the same bedtime battles you have, i do share your sentiment of having absolutely no "me" time! So just wanted to tell you you're not alone in feeling that way!</p> <p>As for the sleep, though, I also don't think I could handle CIO, but there are many other options out there. Are you nursing to sleep? or is this just an attachment to you? If you are nursing, I'd try to very gradually separate nursing from sleep. Instead of nursing him until he's fully asleep, nurse him until he's almost fully asleep (when you'd normally put him down and he'd freak out) and then hold him for a few minutes until he's out, then put him down. or give him the paci and put him down. then after a few nights, put him down in that state. then a little more awake. then a little more. baby steps basically until he is able to go into his crib without freaking out. or something along those lines. i'd also recommend (if you haven't already done so) introducing a lovey - something that he associates with sleep time and that he can find in the MOTN if he wakes up for reassurance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800531 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 09:03:49 +0000 blackbird 1800531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely work on getting your LO to sleep by himself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800315 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:26:21 +0000 Bubbles 1800315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used techniques from No Cry Sleep Solution to get LO to nap in his cot, as he'd only nap in a sling for the first 5 months (he's also now 7.5 mo). Basically it involved just changing things very gradually each week until he was taking all naps in the cot. It was hard work, but for me it was a game changer as I suddenly had around 3 hours to myself each day (although I usually end up getting stuff done around the house!) Would your LO go to sleep beside you on a mat on the floor, then you could get up once he's asleep and do your own thing? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800303 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 03:53:42 +0000 Grace 1800303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think my LO fought sleeping like that because she couldn't fall asleep with me holding her. I had to start putting her in her crib awake to get her to fall asleep on her own. She cried 10 min and went to sleep. If that is too much crying for you, my understanding is that there are non-CIO methods, so hopefully someone else has one for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/no-me-time-because-of-bad-infant-sleep#post-1800300 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 02:58:47 +0000 Picnic 1800300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I could use your advice. I have a 7.5 month old little one, and I have zero time for myself. </p> <p>When I am at home with my little one I have no time during the day to do anything for myself like workout. All day is filled with engaging/interacting with the baby. He does nap (2x), but he only naps well when sleeping with me in bed. If he is moved to the crib, he will wake up and not go back to sleep. </p> <p>The bedtime routine has become a nightmare. It will sometimes take 2 hours for the little one to go to sleep! My son will only go to sleep for me, and not my husband (so having some relief from this is impossible). When my son finally goes to sleep, I must carefully get him in the crib, and I usually will go to sleep shortly thereafter. Then I wake up 4+ times a night, and soon the day starts all over again.</p> <p>I feel like if I could take care of the sleep issue then I would have my evenings back and could have a little bit of relaxation, but I don't think I could CIO with him. He is pulling himself up, and I believe has the stamina to cry for a long time.</p> <p>Any advice? Why does he fight going to bed so much?? How do you find time for yourself?? </p>