S.Y.
answers from
Sharon
on
if she does fine without a nap then dont force her to take a nap
-
Q&A
Get advice from millions of moms -
Timeline
See what’s coming up for your child
I am seeking help with my six-month-old son, who is a terrific nighttime sleeper (12+hours, and going down without a peep), but has a terrible time napping during the day. The morning nap is usually a little better, and he'll go down without too much fussing, but he frequently wakes early (after maybe 45 min.) and is clearly tired. I have tried all the usual tricks (making the room darker, letting him fuss a little, getting him up to comfort him, etc.) but he won't go back down. Then he's up again and tired until his afternoon nap. On some days the second nap goes okay and he'll sleep for more than 45 min. and wake up feeling good. On other (most) days (like today!) he becomes hysterical, screaming, and is unable to settle down. He is then so exhausted by 5:30 PM or so that he has a complete meltdown and has to go to bed early. Since he does so well at night, and clearly has self-soothing skills, I'm at a loss as to what to do. Can anyone help?
if she does fine without a nap then dont force her to take a nap
My daughter was the same way. She never took naps after about 6 months old but would sleep through the night. After 6 months I could not get her to nap. I did the same thing put her in a quite room, dark room, lay down with her and nothing seemed to work. And now she is 6 and has never been a napper. So don't force it. On the other hand my second daughter is 3 and still takes naps and always needs a nap. She will nap for like 2 hours and sleeps well at night. All kids are different. Good Luck!
I have to say, I don't think you have much to worry about in terms of his sleep. My son was the same way, still is sometimes (he is almost 1). He would take 30-45 minute naps. I just started a routine that 3 hours from when he wakes in the morning I put him down for morning nap...sometimes I wait no more than 3.5. I sit in his room while he is in his crib until he falls asleep. Sometimes he fusses, that was a little difficult at first but now he is a pro. Then I put him down 4 hours after he wakes up from his morning nap for his afternoon one. I also read "The Sleep Lady Solution" and that really helped me out. Changed my life actually. The trick is to put him down awake, which will be a challenge at first, I am not going to lie. He may just be a baby who drops his naps at an early age (I hope not, for your sanity!). That is terrific that he sleeps that long at night though!!! Mine still wakes up!! : ) Sounds like you are doing a great job!
I feel your pain. My 5 month old has been on nap strike for about 3 weeks. He has days where he will not take a nap. I have tried all the same things. Even laying and nursing to sleep. Which they say is not good but what else can you do in times of desperation. If I try to transfer him I will wake him up and he looks up and smiles. Melt your heart but so frustrating.He had his 10 minute cat nap and ready to go. Its crazy!! Luckily he is not too cranky but I can't take him to work with me anymore since he won't give me any breaks during the day. I know a lot of people swear by Baby Wise books. Just wanted to comiserate with you. Best of luck and hang in there!!
