How do you deal with the "witching hour"

They have had a good past few weeks, but DP and I went back to work last week (opposite schedules; no daycare) so the routine has changed and they are having evening tantrums again before that last nap before the long sleep.

If they start their episodes even 10 mins apart, there's no real problem. But more often than not, they set each other off and I can't get one to sleep before the other one yells. I hate leaving one yelling while I tend to the other. On a couple desperate evenings, I resorted to the mesmerizing TV for my tiny boy for the 5 minutes it took to calm his sister and get her to sleep. Ususally, I can rely on the mobile, radio, loveys, or swing to keep the other one relatively calm.

What do you do when this happens? <_< They are almost 4 mos old.

 

Sounds to me like you are handling it very well! Sometimes one just has to wait. I know it's hard to hear them and not be able to tend to them but you are outnumbered and you can only do what you can do. Hopefully it will get easier as they adjust to their new schedule!!

 

My personal thoughts: when they are that age, limited television isnt going to hurt them!!! And besides, it helps by allowing you to help them and keep your sanity!!! DO what you can/have to and dont feel bad if someone has to wait a minute, such is life isnt it?

 

Yeah do what you can do.. it is just about survival. I find my two are extreemly patient for their ages now like when I have to take one out of the car & the other one has to wait... I think being a twin teaches them patiences, just like I'm sure a large family teaches other similar qualities.

I loved the Mozart DVD -- of Baby Einstein so at least I felt like they were expanding their brain. Keep it up you sound like you are doing a great job !!!!

 

I feel your pain! Sounds like you are doing a great job.
I try to 'carry' one with a bjorn while sponge bathing the other...but that often times doesn't stop the screaming. Our boys can scream for about 3hrs with no relief sometimes....earplugs anyone?

I'm noticing if we take them out during the day (and they sleep alot) withching hour(s) seem worse.
Good luck!
reb

 

At this age, I did WHATEVER worked, doesn't matter what it was...swings, tv, bouncers, etc... It's about getting by at this stage.

I promise you the witching hour lessens over time based on my experience! Of course there are fussy episodes in the afternoon but it's NOTHING like it was in the first 4-5 months. It's much easier to calm them now and get a bout of fussiness quickly turns into smiles and giggles now! Do whatever works for you and your sanity and know things keep getting better and better!

 

It sounds like you are handling things very well. I remember many an evening in the car driving until they fell asleep around the 3-4 month mark. It was oftentimes the only way I could get them both to sleep and a nice good deep sleep at that. Do what you have to...a little tv is fine.

 

Sometimes I wore one in the Bjorn while holding and comforting the other.

 

QUOTE(Leighann @ Jan 14 2009, 12:02 PM) [snapback]1146815[/snapback]
Sometimes I wore one in the Bjorn while holding and comforting the other.


Almost exactly what I was going to say. I had a sling, and could sling one, and sometimes hold the other. Actually, sometimes I would sling both of them.

Swings were also really important for months for us.

 

sounds like youre doing a good job!! i do similar things at their afternoon nap and bedtime. sometimes one just has to fuss and cry. ive recently accepted this. if theyre in a safe place its okay if one cries. we can only do so much with 2 hands lol

 

I know it sounds really bad to say this. But you should really just let them cry for a while. I know its really really hard to do cause they are so small and you don't want them to cry. But they are going to have to learn how to self sooth. Just turn on the radio or some soft music and tend to one of them.

 

I use to hold one and put the other in the bouncy chair and bounce it. Or I would put them both in their car seats, turn on the vacuum next to them, hold soothers in their mouths and rock the car seats.
I know DH use to use the baby bjorn and then carry one and dance around the basement to his ipod (with the fireplace on).

Good luck - it does get better. Now when mine cry there is a reason, that kind usually be easily fixed! Big hugs to you!