10MO. Why won't she nap!!????

[cockle84]

I hate leaving her but I've run out of ideas. Not even the car worked today. She's absolutely shattered but won't give in. She's shouty/whingey, not crying but I still feel awful. Why won't she give in? I'm shattered................

Oh, I know that feeling!

For us what worked was a really consistent nap time routine so they started to recognise the signs of naptime and putting then down before they get a chance to get overtired because then they never give in.

Hope it gets better!

she used to be clockwork, nap mid morning, nap mid afternoon. She's been missing the morning one for some reason- even though she's tired which then throws out the rest of the day. Just went to settle her and she did 4 big burps, now she's sleeping (hopefully for more than 20mins), so now I feel awful that she was uncomfortable and I left her......mean mummy!

My DD became a reluctant napper at around 9 months.....i bought a snuggly sheepskin for her pushchair and walked.....and walked,and walked!!.......it did work, as soon as she dropped off i scooted home and did whatever i needed to! (sleep usually or have a hot cup of tea!) as she got a little older the naps actually became slightly more predictable, although she never slept for more than an hour...I hope things improve for you soon x

She's up...........40 mins, not too bad, but then she has been awake since 6! At least I managed to eat something. ;0)

It's so tricky isn't it - we got a good nightime routine going and still my DD12months is totally unpredictable in her daytime naps - I agree with peppa and pushchair / walking generally helps, we also cover the pushchair with a blanket or coat to make it dark and it seems to help definately. I think they are just learning to explore and developing rapidly at this age and things get them over excited and it's all too much fun, well that's what I think when dd only naps for 10mins on some days with the childminder ! it's so knackering though. I think I found it easier when I stopped getting really stressed about routine etc and just tried to have quiet time if I felt she was exhausted but fighting the sleep.

Thanks for the advice, it wouldn't be so bad if she didn't whinge for most of the day because she's tired.....only food or the Sky remote seem to make her happy ;0)

Has she got a comfort item e.g. a 'blanky' or a 'special teddy' or a 'nuggle'? Having a special item to become attached to may help.

Otherwise, try feeding lunch at 11am, have her down for a midday nap at 11.30.