My 19month old toddler refuses to nap! I try to put him down in his crib and he just cries. I have tried to have him cry it out, but he will not stop. I however, lay down with him and he naps with no problem. I'd like to put him on a regular naping schedule, at least one nap in the early afternoon. As he has gone w/out a nap and he's a little terror at night, because he's sooo tired. Any suggestions???
Well, yes he does nap as long as I nap with him. But, when I am not, I try to wait until he is sound asleep to put him either on his pack & play or his crib and it is a total disaster! he wakes up and it's all over. I have laid down with him in our bed and once he's asleep I do leave and do what I need to, but I don't feel totally comfortable leaving him in our bed.
Thanks for all of your suggestions, I will try to use them and figure out which one works out best! wish me luck :)
Thanks ladies for all your feed back...working on it!!
If laying down with him works than do it. Once he is asleep you can go about your business.
Hi Jen
I used to lay down with my son when he used to nap and then I would do some work or nap myself.
It's vital that your son naps as he is still young.
All the best
B. k
He's probably down to only one 2 hr nap a day now.
Make sure not to put him down too early in the day after waking.
He may not be tired yet.
Keep him active and tire him out in the morning.
Do you breastfeed or give him a bottle of milk? My son would crash out in my arms after being up for 5 hrs when drinking a bottle of milk at that age.
Then I would wait about 5 mins (not much sooner or longer ) and put him in his crib w/his blankets.
When he was about 18 months old he would take his nap in the morning about 3 hrs after waking.
Then at 2 yrs old he would only be ready for a nap 5 hrs after he woke up and with some activity. I stay home so I played w/him all day. Still do in fact. Then I'm ready for some quiet time when he naps and ready for bed at night time. :) :) :)
Good luck and try a few different things like I've mentioned.
he won't go down on his own because he knows if he pitches a big enough fit you'll come in and lay down with him. anything you do at this point to rectify this WILL involve crying - lots of it.
the answer is, either keep laying down with him, or fight the battle of getting him to lay down on his own. and yes, it won't be pleasant. it also won't hurt him. promise.
**Per your Edit:
Just lay with him, on the floor.
We have a floor futon in our room.
Then when my kids were that age, they can't fall off or roll off it. Since it is on the floor.
And once he does fall asleep, you do NOT have to, pick him up then put him back in the pack n' play or crib. If you do this, YOU are waking him up. Sabotaging, his sleep.
--------------------------------------
Yep, I have laid down with my kids, per naps.
Once they fall asleep, you can get up and leave. Do what you want.
A napping 'schedule' typically is best, by knowing your child and his tired cues.
My son at that age, napped 2 times a day.
Morning and afternoon.
Once already tired, a baby/child has a harder time, falling asleep and getting a good sleep. Being over-tired, makes things worse.
Also, make sure he is not over-stimulated, before nap.
Before nap, make sure everything is quiet/calm. Setting the stage, so to speak.
No horseplay before nap.
