She tends to want to sleep around 9 ish (wakes at 6.30am) but its only for 1/2hr, then again after lunch - but again only half an hour to 40 mins ie one sleep cycle.

Lizum - you give me hope but I have doubts it will happen anytime soon! The bigger problem i think is that she cant settle herself back to sleep after one sleep cycle?

DS used to breastfeed to sleep for naps until around 7 months. Then one day he started fussing around and getting upset. I tried putting him in his cot and leaving him for a few minutes then went back and fed him again and he settled. This happened for a few days until he'd just cry for a couple of minutes then settle to sleep.

What times are you trying to get her to nap?

DD2 sleeps v well at night but is bf to sleep. During the day she requires bf, pram or car to fall asleep and then only for about 30 mins sleep cycle 2x a day. She is knackered.

DD1 was not bf for long due to terrible reflux and was on a GF type routine from about 2 months. I did leave her to settle herself etc and did a degree of CC as she wouldnt settle if you even stayed in the room. She was a pretty good sleeper.

For some reason (i am assuming the bf) i could deal with DD1 crying (we got so used to it becasue of the reflux) but not DD2 who has always been fed when upset etc.

So now I have an overtired baby that I really think i am not helping at all. She is at a childminder 3 days a week and is the same there - 2 sleeps in the pram. If i try to put her down even slightly awake she freaks and doesnt respond to any degree of patting or shushing. So she goes back on the boob.....

So I need help!! My experiences with DD1 do lead me to think that she just hasnt learnt to self settle but I can't seem to find a gentle way of teaching her. Maybe i will just have to resort to CC ?

help please?