Page 5 | Our 21 Month old doesn’t have a set bedtime and has never had set nap times AMA

Hairbrushhandle · 31/05/2023 05:25

What happens when you have a big day at work the next day and you want to get to sleep by 10 and your then 3yo is up running around at 11.30?

We never did scheduled naps, sometimes DC would nap at around the same time naturally for a month or so before moving on to the next stage, but we have always tried for some kind of bedtime routine. You'll need it in place for school otherwise your DC will be overtired at school and mornings will be hellish.

BrassTrim · 31/05/2023 06:58

Mine didn't have set nap times either. I was vaguely aware that it would probably be a good idea to try and establish nap times but just never did it. They'd sleep usually in the buggy while out and about and I'd leave them sleeping in the buggy when we got back from wherever we were. No sleeping issues with them now.

sawandnotseen · 31/05/2023 09:59

Good for you! Mine also never had set bedtimes / naps. We just went with the flow. Both slept through the night from a few months old - I BF to six months. They probably went to bed when we did or fell asleep on the sofa then moved to their bed/cot.
Meant we could take them out and about and travelling worldwide without it being a problem. They often slept under tables at parties along with our friends children. They have happy memories of doing so.
They're successful, happy adults now so obv didn't do them any harm. Did great at school and uni. Both have a lot of friends, great partners and have travelled a lot.
I really don't understand the whole routine thing. Let them sleep when they want/need to sleep and enjoy them when they're awake.

supersonicginandtonic · 01/06/2023 22:36

@sawandnotseen my parents raised us like this. I loved my upbringing. ❤️

LittleMrsPerfect · 01/06/2023 22:46

This is so normal, I don’t underStand how parents have a routine, weather baby is a good sleeper or not how can you say for example nap at 2pm everyday and bedtime at 6? What if they nap for 3 hours, will then obviously need s later bedtime. What if they wake at 5am or 10am and need a earlier or later bedtime. What if there is a baby class you want to do at 1:30?

NerrSnerr · 02/06/2023 09:09

LittleMrsPerfect · 01/06/2023 22:46

This is so normal, I don’t underStand how parents have a routine, weather baby is a good sleeper or not how can you say for example nap at 2pm everyday and bedtime at 6? What if they nap for 3 hours, will then obviously need s later bedtime. What if they wake at 5am or 10am and need a earlier or later bedtime. What if there is a baby class you want to do at 1:30?

Some babies are only happy in a set routine, some parents find it easier using a routine. Some not.

There are lots of way of bringing up babies and one way isn't necessarily better.

Iyiyiiii · 02/06/2023 09:14

TheWayTheLightFalls · 29/05/2023 22:42

This reminds me of an Insta post by a woman with one three month old, giving others advice about how she coped on a flight with her child.

You’re a sahp, with one child. I’m delighted for you that you can go with the flow and be happy for yourself about it, but AMA… what? I’ve got three under five. They all nap and have set bedtimes. Want to ask me anything?

yes - it is a little odd to AMA on something so, small?

@ToddlerMama27 do you 'free parent' do you let your ds do what they want in other parts of their life? or do you control

SouthLondonMum22 · 02/06/2023 15:33

LittleMrsPerfect · 01/06/2023 22:46

This is so normal, I don’t underStand how parents have a routine, weather baby is a good sleeper or not how can you say for example nap at 2pm everyday and bedtime at 6? What if they nap for 3 hours, will then obviously need s later bedtime. What if they wake at 5am or 10am and need a earlier or later bedtime. What if there is a baby class you want to do at 1:30?

You simply don't let them nap for 3 hours and wake them after 1-2 hours to be sure they are ready for bed at 6 or whatever time bedtime is.

I wouldn't go to a baby class during a nap time because it would be a miserable experience if he's tired and grumpy. Naps on the go happen occasionally in the pram, car seat, bouncer etc but he's never as well rested as when he's in the cot so we're all about cot naps.