Nap Help

Updated on October 28, 2008
A.J. asks from Lutz, FL
5 answers

I have a 3 and 1/2 month old that has the hardest time takng naps! He consistently goes down easy and then wakes up after 45 minutes crying and won't go back to sleep. He is on a great eating schedule and I have been trying to look for eary signs of being tired and putting him to bed right away. But to no avail. I have tried rocking him, giving him a pacififer and letting him cry. I don't know what to do! This happens for both his morning and afternoon nap. I have read Baby Wise and Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child but can't seem to find practical application for my current situation. Any advice?

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M.S.

answers from Tampa on

Hi A.,
I have to tell you that my daughter was exactly the same way... She would only sleep in her swing at that time or in the carseat. For that reason, I would usually go grocery shopping or running erands when it is time for her to nap so she could get some sleep. I believe the problem is that at that stage (around 4 mths) they become aware of all these sounds and they wake up as soon as they hear something... I know it's hard but it will pass soon :)
Good luck!
M.

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M.R.

answers from Tampa on

I agree about swaddling - it helped us a lot. Also, a 45 minute nap is not unusual. I know it sucks. :-( We would swaddle our daughter and let her nap in the swing. She would sleep much longer that way.

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J.B.

answers from Tampa on

Hey A.~

My son was the same way at that age. Actually, I believe the only substantial naps he took back then were either in my arms or in a swing. :o) He also didn't give off any of those "sleepy signs" and he still doesn't. He just turned two and is down to about one two hour nap a WEEK. Do you still swaddle your son? It really helped us. Also, you could try a lovey/blanket or even one of your shirts (it smells like Mommy). My son has a woobie (blanket) that we started using at that age and he doesn't sleep without it. We also made it a point to only use it for sleeping, so we don't have to carry it around everywhere!

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R.H.

answers from Tampa on

It sounds perfectly normal that he takes a 45 minute nap twice a day. I have an 8 month old baby girl and she has been on the same schedule (two 45 min naps a day). I'm sure he just cries because he is telling you that he's done sleeping. My 3 year old did the same thing until she was about a year. After that she changed to taking one nap, but longer (2 hrs). So, I don't see a problem w/ your child. Sounds perfectly normal.

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D.K.

answers from Tampa on

A.,

(my last response was responding to a 3 1/2 year old)

Swaddling is the best and in a vibrating bouncy or swing should do the trick. Do you put soft music on while your son sleeps...that is also soothing.

Good luck!

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