Baby Who Won't Nap!

My 6 month old only takes about 30 min naps 2-3 times a day and has since he was about 3 months. Every kid is different!! I know there are days that I just want to take a nap too!! Take care

Hi L.! Like others, I had no problem taking mine out of the swing later on for naps. At this young age, motion is what they are used to. If he's a good sleeper at night, then I wouldn't worry about letting him nap in the swing during the day. Good Luck!

Sorry can't really give any good advice.All I can say is,from experience, that I think some kids just don't nap. My two never were big on naps at all!! They don't even sleep well at night. They are also vagan and eat really healthy and that makes a difference on them actually needing a certain amount of rest. Best of luck but my kids don't nap either!!

Feel blessed that your baby gets good sleep at night at least!!
--M.

If he is sleeping the right amount of hours in a 24 hr period i wouldn't worry about it!

L., As long as he sleeps good at night I wouldn't worry about it. I know you would like a break during the day while he naps but it sounds like he just doesn't need the nap during the day. Some don't. L. T

Rocking your baby to sleep is one of the best bonding times between you and your baby. It is the time you can sing him lullabies, tell stories and just watch him as he falls into a deep sleep. It only takes about 15-30 min. and it gets mom and baby to stop rest and be together. I was so sad when my daughter was too heavy to lift to bed and her legs hung off the chair. It was a sad day. Now, she reads herself to sleep and wakes me up in the morning. Time goes by too fast. Enjoy the moment...

Why not "rely on motion"? I rocked my baby to sleep for about the first year (or two!). It's very comforting to them and reminds them of the womb (all that walking mom did while baby was inside). He's never had a problem since I stopped. He can put himself to sleep just fine now. No lasting effects. I guess towards the end of the "rocking to sleep" period of time, I did wean him from it, by rocking him, but not up until he was asleep. Do you have a rocker? Some just need extra help to calm down because they like being awake with mommy so much. I loved rocking him to sleep, personally. I miss it now (he's 3). I never let my son cry it out. I don't believe in it.

Soft carriers (such as Snuggli) worked for me. I used to put my wide-awake baby on me for a few minutes, did a few chores, only to have to stop and put him down...

Do whatever you can to get him to sleep. This stage doesn't last forever and as he gets older, his sleep habits will change! My daughter, who is 6 now, had her days and nights mixed up when she was a baby. I let her sleep anywhere she feel asleep. She eventually got it right. Just a suggestion! Good luck!

My younger son relied on the swing or bouncy seat until he was 4 months old ... He eventually got to where he didn't. At 2 months of age, if your baby falls asleep in the swing, let him! JMO.

It might be best to use the swing for now if it's working.
He's still so young, it won't turn into a bad habit.
My son actually slept in his swing until 6 mnths of age. I used to worry about how is he ever going to sleep in his crib, but right at 6 mnths he was done with the swing and started sleeping soundly in his crib. He's now 2 and still no problems from using the swing for so long.
I know alot of moms who the swing or bouncer seat was their only option for letting the baby sleep and you having a break.
You really need that time for yourself when they're sleeping to help keep your sanity! : )
Good luck and let me know if you find another method that works for you.

Hi L.,

I type this as my 8 week old naps in her swing. :)
I too was worried about relying on motion with my first child, now 2 years old - I soon got over it when I found that is what worked to sooth him to sleep (I also enjoyed rocking him). He seemed to ween himself of this and has always been an awesome sleeper. Remember these little critters experienced a lot of motion while in your belly - so they like this. For me it is not so much about a 'bad habit' but more so doing something for her that she likes and helps her rest.
So I think you need to rely on your intuition...if you think he needs more sleep and the swing does it, then go for it. If you feel he gets enough at night and you don't need the break, then don't worry about it.

We used the book Babywise by Gary Ezzo for help on getting baby to take naps during the day and sleep well in his crib. Our little man aged 9 mths is still an excellent napper and has slept in his own room since day 3 of life.

My daughter has never napped well. I have been told she just doesn't need as much sleep as some children. She is almost 2 now, but even as a newborn, daytime sleeping was rare. She didn't even sleep through the night until she was almost 9 months. I've learned to try not to force it. When she's tired, she sleeps, it just doesn't give us moms much of a break. Hope this helps, or at leasts comforts.

Try a warm bath--than put on some soft music--believe it or not classical will work!!! it did for me--my son who is now 8 years old also loved the swing so there is nothing wrong with using it especially if you need the rest or have household things to do or just need a quiet moment---and do not be afriad to let the little one cry it out it will not hurt---turst I been there and I am still standing hang in there it will get better.

I swear by The Baby Whisperer. Get the book and follow it. It works wonders!