My son just turned 4 months old and I have been delaying establishing his nap-time schedule because our lives are so hectic. I can see the time has come that he needs consistency. My older daughter will begin preschool in a few weeks and it is from 9-11 am 3 x week and I will have to drive her there and back. I know this will conflict with his morning nap and I don't want him sleeping in the car for his nap or using this to fall asleep. Just trying to see what others have done in similar situations.
Thanks!
My son would fall asleep in the car all the time. I'd just bring him in in his carrier and let him sleep in the house in his carseat. Same token... if he was getting sleepy within 2 hours of my HAVING to be somewhere... I'd put him down IN his carseat. Then when we had to go... I'd just carry the seat to the car and click it in.
<laughing> As Susan puts it, I had a very "portable" baby :)
Two words: car pool.
Find another Mom, you drop off, they pick up.
M.
Can your oldest go to preschool longer? That is only 2 hours...
usually, many preschools have half days... that would give you more time...
my daughter did half days, 3 times a week, when I had my 2nd child... and so my 2nd baby could nap, then when he woke, we'd go pick up my daughter, come back and he napped again. Because for the 1st year or so, my son was napping 3 times a day, as a baby.
Also, if your daughter goes to Preschool longer/half days... then you have more time with just baby and you. And your older daughter would then have more of a routine, for Preschool. Its hard to get in the groove for preschool, with only 2 hours... by the time they get into their Preschool routine/adjust, it is time for them to go home already etc.
If not, then yes, he will be napping in transit... and probably not getting a full uninterrupted nap.
My son, did NOT nap in transit... he was not 'portable' that way.
Neither was my daughter.
Some babies are more portable....
A 'routine' for naps, is ideal. Everyday.
If possible.
If you can't car pool, then perhaps you have a neighborhood Mom who you trust that could come over for coffee and sit while your LO naps?
If not, don't sweat it. We've all BEEN THERE. It's just a fact of nature that subsequent children don't have "perfect" nap schedules or a quiet house like the first one did. It's not the end of the world.
They learn to sleep. If not in the car. Then after you get home.
If you think it's "hard" at 4 mos. Wait until he's out of the infant carrier and you have to unclick him every time!
You may be able to find another Mom at preschool who's in the same boat. Make friends with her ASAP and see if she's interested in carpooling on school days. You're both going to the same preschool, so they may be more willing to help since you're offering help in return.
I bought a monitor with a battery powered source. I could put the source in the car and leave the car in the garage and let my daughter finish her nap. She could not transport AT ALL. Any slight jiggle and she was wide awake.
With this heat, however, that may not be possible. I see lots of moms at pick up time at elementary school (3 PM) with little ones sound asleep on their shoulder or trying to stand in the door to keep an eye on the car while also waiting for their school-age child. This hassle will continue......
Get to know another mom that you feel comfortable with and carpool! Hopefully you'll be able to find another mom that doesn't have the same nap schedule or maybe a mom that doesn't have children who nap anymore.
