8 Mo. Old Not Taking Naps

Updated on October 01, 2008
A.H. asks from Ridgecrest, CA
12 answers

My friends 8 mo. old boy is learning to pull himself up, which is great, except for when its nap time. He not wanting to nap, just pull himself up. I'm not sure as he know how to get down with out falling over. I was just wondering if anyone else had that same problem and what they did about it.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Redding on

Its only the begining. He is getting older and more interested in exploring his world. Just enforce the nap time by keeping him in his bed and keeping the room quiet and dark. You can't make a child go to sleep but you can set the conditions for it.
I'm assuming that he his pulling himself up in the crib. If he falls over, he will land on the soft matress. Try not to worry, they are tougher than they look.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.R.

answers from San Francisco on

My daughter did the same thing for about a week. It was a hard week, but we got through it. When your friend's boy is awake, have him practice standing up as much as possible and then practice how to sit down from a standing position. This helped with my daughter. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Modesto on

My daughter did the same thing when she learned to stand in her crib. We had to sleep train all over again--first putting her to sleep in our arms and transfering to the crib, then putting her down when she was almost asleep in our arms, then gradually putting her down more and more awake. The times she popped up wide awake we just had to leave her in there. After occasional visits to soothe but not pick her up, she would eventually go to sleep, though sometimes it took and hour or longer! It got better as the novelty of standing in her crib began to wear off. Tell your friend good luck!

J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.R.

answers from Salinas on

Hi, my daughter stopped taking naps at 6 months. It was "heck". Putting quiet toys like cloth blocks and cloth books in the crib with her would keep her occupied for about a half to one hour. At least she was resting. As long as they sleep all night they are getting enough rest.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.T.

answers from San Francisco on

I had the same thing go on with my baby. They get so interested in learning new skills that they want to practice instead of napping. He may not be able to get himself back down. It lasted about 1 week with my baby until he learned how to get down. Just be patient.
Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Fresno on

that is normal. my friends baby had to go to a toddler bed at 11 month's because of that. if they are active baby's and strong like you'r friends, the crib may not be a safe place for him. my son, now 2 and in big biy bed, never tried to get up or climb, so i don't have experiance in that, jsut my friends kid....be careful, sounds like she has a monkey on her hands.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Does he stand there and cry afraid to let go? Or does he just pull himself up, fuss, and then sit? I have been taking care of a little boy who is now 11 months old who did this and still does this. Mostly to see if I am still in the room and maybe get my attention. He responds best if I go back in tell him it's nap time and say good night to him and lay him back down. But, usually after a few moments of standing there and complaining he just sits back down and goes to sleep.
I am sure your friends son is also pulling himself up to stand while awake as well, so I am sure at nap time it's about seeing if anyone will come to his rescue if he complains enough. (o: For the most part, his legs will tire out and he will be "forced" to sit.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from San Francisco on

My oldest (now 4) stopped taking naps altogether at 6 months old. He sleeps through the night, 10 to 12 hours and is fine.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.W.

answers from Sacramento on

read the book : healthy sleep habits, happy baby! its so good!!! it will tell you everything you need to know.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.I.

answers from San Francisco on

This happened with my daughter as well. It was a headache for a few weeks, but it didn't last forever. I read in a book (Happy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child by Weisbluth) that you shouldn't worry about them falling. Since there's a mattress they shouldn't get hurt. I remember at this stage that I felt like I had to be there every time she was standing up because she might fall, but that only lasted about a week or 2 and then she could safely get down on her own.

If your friend normally puts the baby down and leaves the room (even if the baby is awake), I would tell her to do the same thing even if he stands. She could keep a close eye on him at the crack in the door and watch what happens. Eventually he will get tired and be ready to sleep. She could even go in if he really gets upset and lay him down every 5 minutes or so. He'll learn :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Redding on

Dear A.,
Neither one of my kids were nappers. I had a girl and a boy, 10 years apart. When I brought my first baby home, I expected her to sleep all the time. I was in for a big surprise. My son was the same way. However, they both slept all night basically from the very beginning. We would lay down and have a little quiet story time or something in the afternoon, but they just never did do the nap thing. Every now and then they might relax and konk out for a little while, but the nap routine just never worked. Strangely, when they got older, like say around 10 or so, they didn't mind taking a nap and would just go in and lay down.

I hope some of the other moms have good suggestions for you.
Best wishes!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Salinas on

I went through the same thing when my son learned how to pull himself up on his crib, except he would do it at night during bedtime. That's all he wanted to do! If he woke up the first thing he would do is pull himself up on the crib, I kept having to lay him back down. It went on for a little while, not too long. I guess until the novelty of it all wore off. So I think it will pass after a few days, maybe even a week or two, until it's not new to him anymore....I wish your friend luck.....

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches