Naps and routines

[lowra]

Was wondering at what age everyone got their DC's settled into regular nap times in their cot/moses basket.

My DD is 14 weeks and is still just dropping off in the day whenever she's tired. She goes to bed about 9.30 and gets up between 8 and 9, although I am planning on bringing her routine a bit earlier in anticipation of when I go back to work.

I am thinking of moving her into her cot in her own room in a couple of weeks, when she is 4 months old. She is still small enough to fit in her moses basket and sleeps in our room at the moment.

Do you think this would be a good time to start putting her down for a morning and afternoon nap? How easy it for them to get the hang of the fact they are supposed to sleep at set times in the day? How strict are you with the routine? Would you plan your day around nap times, or are you flexible?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Lowra

[matana]

Hi lowra

My DS still did pretty much what he wanted to at that age. I seem to remember him falling more into a 'three naps per day' routine when he was around 16 weeks, although some days it was still hit and miss and the length of each of his naps varied greatly.

In terms of flexibility, i tended to say that if he had a good first nap, in his cot or moses basket, then i'd go out and get a few things done as he wouldn't get too overtired. Or, i'd choose to do things within walking distance so he could nap in his buggy if i was out and he got tired. If he napped badly for the first one of the day, i'd try to avoid going out when he was due another one.

I tried half heartedly at one point to try to get him to nap for longer in the afternoon, but eventually gave up as i realised he'd find his own way soon enough and then it was all likely to change again anyway in a month or two! At 16 weeks he was having three naps - 2 longer ones and a short one late afternoon. I really let him dictate what he needed and didn't force him into something as i know he won't sleep unless he's tired. I would say be led by your LO, unless you really really want set routines. I find it's easier to settle them if they're actually ready to be settled. They usually 'get the hang of it' on their own as they get older.

DS is 8 months and a great sleeper, but even now there are days when he's much more tired than others. Generally he now naps twice per day, but recently he had a bad teething bout when he was constantly tired and back up to three/ four shorter naps per day.

It probably is a good time to get your LO to nap in her moses basket/ cot, but i would suggest you'll be more successful if you do it when she's clearly tired rather than forcing it. You'll find a pattern emerging after a while.

HTH