My 10 Month Old Will Only Fall Asleep in the Car.

Hi N.,
You didn't mention what her nap schedule is like. I would imagine that your daughter has just reached a point where her sleep pattern is changing. That happens every so often.

She may not be needing as much sleep. You could either try adjusting her bed time to a little bit later, or you could adjust her naps. You might want to limit a nap or eliminate one, especially if it is late in the day.

Also, just before bedtime, massaging the arms and legs helps to relax them. One way that kids keep themselves awake is through continued body movement. I found out with my son that if I could just get him lay still for even a minute or two, that he would fall asleep.

I really think that your daughter just doesn't need as much sleep, so you might consider adjusting sleep schedules a bit. Plus, as they learn more and get more excited about the world, they can have an interest in wanting to stay up to see it all. You're lucky that your daughter has been such a good sleeper. I'm sure just a little fine tuning will get you guys back on track.
Take care!
M.

I totally understand your problem. It is pretty common. It is very important for kids to learn to sleep on their own. Without rocking, holding, or anything. I would put her in her crib, physically lay her down and tell her it is time to rest her body. If she pops up and jumps up and down, let her. Tell her she can play in her crib as long as she wants but she will stay there until she falls asleep. Then STICK to it. If she wines or cries come in and reiterate that she can play until she falls asleep. If you veer off the track and put her in the car, you are in trouble. It won't be a phase, she'll only be able to sleep by the car.

Also, you may want to either change her nap time around to make it shorter or fewer or you might want to put her to bed later. She may need a bit less sleep now. Try putting her to bed at 8 or 8:30. Or if she takes 3 naps during the day cut it down to 2.

Good luck N.!

Hi. My son went through the same thing. I would have to drive around for about 15 min. to put him to sleep, he's a little over a year. Then one day I was sick and didn't want to get in the car and drive, so I just layed him in his crib drowsy, but not asleep. He's in our room, so I layed in my bed next to him and kept telling him to lay down and that I was right here. After about 10 minutes, he fell asleep on his own. We've done this for a week now and it's worked each time. Maybe he was just ready. So I'd say drive around for now if it works for you and then try going back to your previous routine.

It could be the motion that she feels she needs to fall asleep. My daughter has always loved being in a sling to fall asleep and it is the motion that she loves. Maybe an Ergo carrier but just do a light walk so she does not expect too much motion. Also, reading a book in the rocking chair and then a song and foot rub may help. Best of luck.
E.

children change so dont worry to much . when i was little kid i wont i wont go to sleep unless my dad had to drive me in the car we all survived. Im now 85 have4 grown children of my own YouCAn do it dont they grow up tosoon you will look back at this andlaugh LOve A.

when I was