Naps - Laguna Hills, CA

You've tried everything that I would have tried and have tried. Try contacting A Mother's Haven in Encino. They have a sleep consultant who really helped us. My son was a horrible napper unless I was home with him and he didn't sleep through the night. She gave me a few tips that with a little bit of time and consistency on my part really paid off. Now he's taking 2 hour naps twice a day whether I'm home or not and sleeping through the night.If you're not in the LA area I they're website is www.amothers-haven.com. I'm sure you could get help over the phone.

My first son literally was awake for 2 hours and then slept for 2 hours all day long, as well as slept all night long. He took 2 naps a day until he was 4 years old.

Our 2nd son...took 1 nap per day since birth that was usually around 45 min to 1 hour. Now at almost 2 years old, he takes 1 nap that lasts 1-3 hours and sleeps through the night.

Both of them are well rested kids. One tells me he's tired some nights and asks to go to bed at 7pm, which is bed time is 7:30pm. The other one would say up and party like a rock star until 11pm, if we let him.

If he's happy and seems rested, then go with it. They are ALL different and have different needs.

I hate to tell you this, but he may just be the kind of child who doesn't require much sleep. Both of my kids were like that (although they DIDN'T sleep well at night). As long as he's not fussy (likely due to lack of sleep) count your blessings that he at least sleeps well at night. It's hard to accept that you won't be one of those moms who gets a lot done during nap times (a shower might be your one and only goal for the day). Think of the positives: he'll be awake and absorbing information all day long. Rather than fight it (and risk making yourself crazy in the process) embrace this time, because it probably won't stay this way forever. It's possible he'll sleep more during his next growth spurt. Who's to say he's "not getting enough sleep?" Check your parenting books for a "normal" range. It may be something like 13-16 hours, and he may actually be on ther low end of "normal" for sleep. When all else fails, try a long drive, or a walk in the stroller (exercise for you!!)and see if you can keep him alseep for longer that way. I know how hard this is...I spent years fighting it and wishing I could get a few moments to myself. In hindsight, I wish I hadn't resisted it because now I have two extremely bright kids (who still don't nap) and I can hardly remember the early frustration. Best to you!

Hi, for some reason a young mother friend sent me this, and I'm on the list. I am 69, and think "How brave these young moms are," but I know this, each child is different.

My son, who grew to be 6'5 slept a lot. Other friends' children didn't sleep at all. If your baby is sleeping through the night, perhaps that's all you need.

This is a nice resource for young moms; best of luck,

Yay on sleeping through the night!!! 30 min naps are typical for my 6mo old. If your son gets cranky, put him down for a nap, if he is happy, no need to nap. Since he wakes up happy, 30 min is all he needs. Be thankful that you don't have to plan your day around a 2-3 hour nap :-)

I bet if you start asking around, more and more women will tell you that whole long naps during the day thing with infants is such a myth. My son really didn't start taking longer naps until he was about a year old. Until then, he toll 20-45 minutes a few throughout the day...he grew just fine, is smart and has always been a very pleasant child. Now he's 2 1/2 and he takes one nearly two hour nap a day. I LOVE it, but there's chance he would have done that as a baby...It's frustrating, but I say give in...

I had the same issue at the same age w/ my daughter & have a couple of friends that had the same issue as well. I just kept up w/ a regular routine and one day my daughter started napping longer/better. I think if you stick to a routine (& don't rock him to sleep,etc.) in another month or so he'll start stretching those naps out. Even at 19 months old the naps can be very random as far as how long she'll sleep & she'll throw that ole 30 minute nap in every now and again.
Good luck!