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Her only nap for the day was 2 hours too short . . . now what?

9 replies

TS123 · 14/10/2011 19:26

Looking for some opinions. DD is 21 months and she seems to have a new cold. She was quite tired this morning, but I pushed her through to noon for her usual midday nap. Only the nap that is usually 2.5 hours long, was only 30 minutes long! I think it was a combination of being overtired and being congested. The question now is . . . how do I get her through the rest of the day? On the one hand, I don't think another nap is realistic, especially if I don't want her to have trouble going to bed tonight, on the other hand, a catnap at some point, even if it is late this afternoon, might be needed to prevent her from getting ridiculously overtired by bedtime. If she weren't sick, I'd consider putting her to bed super early - like 5:30pm, but because she is not able to sleep soundly, I think this is asking for trouble - it will only prolong a difficult nights' sleep for her (and me). Thoughts?

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LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 14/10/2011 19:29

let the baby sleeps when she wants to, especially when she is ill. That is how they recuperated. You will probably have to get up during the night no matter what because she can't breath properly.

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TS123 · 14/10/2011 19:31

I agree that I will be up with her either way, but would you put her down for the night when she gets tired (probably this will be by 5pm), or would you nap her then?

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belindarose · 14/10/2011 19:32

I'd go for bedtime at about 5.30- 6pm. Good luck

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LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 14/10/2011 19:33

what's the difference?I would put her to sleep (nap?) because she needs it, then if she sleeps through the better and she is already in bed.
(unless she naps in a different place than she sleeps, then I will put her to bed and see what happens??)

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SootySweepandSue · 14/10/2011 19:34

I say just let her sleep when she wants too. It's likely she's needing extra rest if feeling poorly. Maybe quiet snuggly activities if anything.

My 13 mo can get through the day on 40 mins kip it's just the way she's built. I mess with it at my peril...

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LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 14/10/2011 19:35

CAn you nap too to make it easier for the night?
try to put the cot head a bit up, and some vicks baby or olbas oil in the room?

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TS123 · 14/10/2011 19:41

Oh, I see your point LeMousquetaire. I suppose I was thinking that I'd let her snooze in my arms while rocking her for half an hour - not putting her in bed with pajamas on etc. . .otherwise, when would she eat her supper? and isn't that risking having her wake up after a few hours thinking it was time to get out of bed at 8pm??! This would be very disruptive to everyone, particularly because I put my other kids to bed at that time!

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LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 14/10/2011 19:49

When they are sick no needs for dinner or pyjamas as long as they are warm enough. If she falls asleep just put her to bed and deal with the rest as it comes.
DD1 wouldn't eat and slept for very long when ill. DD2 just follows her "normal" routine (except she wakes up early/uncomfortable and sleeps on me afterwards)

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TS123 · 14/10/2011 21:32

I will "go with the flow" then. I suspect I will face a child ready for bed at 5:30 or 6pm. I didn't mention my other cause for concern, which is that DH and I had longstanding plans to be out tonight and DD isn't likely to deal well with having a sitter to tend to her should she wake up and we are not home and she is unwell. I guess I may just have to cut out and come home ASAP!