Napping help needed

[Cassiedouble]

My 12 week old will no longer nap on his own. I try to get him to sleep my rocking and ssshhing when I see him yawn/rub eyes which works in the morning and he’ll nap anywhere from 1-3 hours but only on me, I can’t lay him down or he’ll wake up. However later on in the day when I try the same thing he will scream and fight it until usually I give up because I feel like I’m just upsetting him and getting nowhere. He goes to sleep fine at night as feeds to sleep but wakes every 2.5-1.5 hours. I’ve tried a sling which used to work but doesn’t seem to now and he won’t really sleep in the pram. I feel like I spend all my time trying to prevent him from crying, he won’t tolerate being in any position for very long. Any advice greatly received.

Op l know this is polarising on mumsnet, but l reccommend the Gina Ford book.

My DD slept through from 4 and a half months and napped at exactly the same time each day, and l never had to leave her crying.

Good luck

I have a 12 week old too and am watching with interest. For the first 12 weeks I put him down for about 2 of his 5ish naps, and cuddled him for the others. Although some days it was all cuddle naps as I believe in the fourth trimester and also love the precious cuddles! If on me, he can sleep for 2 ish hours, but only does one sleep cycle in the cot/basket. He too is fine at night - similar pattern to yours OP.

Do you copy night conditions for day naps? I don't know what's best for him!

I dipped into GF and nap routine was established with little effort.

I used to pop Dd in gro bag just like night time.

I would warn that parenthood is a very long haul, and gently, kindly establishing good sleep habits is very important for both baby, and your own health.
Gina Ford, does not ever advocate leaving a baby to cry, and although the routines require some effort to start with, and lots of patience they have been wonderful for me to have two great sleepers. ( they were 16 months apart)

This paid dividends once they started school as well, and l think it contributed considerably to them doing well at school.

They are now 12 and 11 and my son is preparing for 11+ ( exams this week) but is still managing to get a good nights sleep, despite the inevitable worries.

Good sleep habits are such an essential for all.

This is a pretty typical age for sleep issues. Be patient! This is about the time that most babies settle into a routine that lasts for quite a while (although obviously they adjust as they age and drop naps). Whatever you chose to do, it seems to come out in the wash by the toddler years anyway. Do what you think is best for you in terms of you getting some rest, you'll be a better parent if you're fresh. In my case, my DD wanted to snuggle for her afternoon nap (although she wasn't fussed in the morning). I often had quite low energy in the afternoon so we used to snuggle together on the sofa and I'd watch a film or something. If we were together, she would sleep for 3 hours, whereas if I put her down and left the room it would be 30 mins. Find something that works for your situation and your sanity, this phase will pass whatever you do!

Personally I would just let baby sleep on you! 12 weeks is so young. Both mine slept on me at That age. My son is now 2 and a great sleeper on his own in the cot but slept on me til 9 months! My daughter is 5 months and still sleeps on me. Enjoy the cuddles :)

Gina Ford, does not ever advocate leaving a baby to cry,

Yes she bloody well does.