How can I encourage my baby to nap being held

[Hel1985]

Hi, I'm a mum of three, youngest being 10 weeks old. We have the usually busy schedule with kids and I'm trying to encourage a nap time being held for my 10 week old. As sometimes this is the only place she will be able to. As nap time are so unpredictable at the moment I'm trying to manage our new life as a family of 5 while trying to keep everyone happy. On school runs my little seems to settle ok in carry cot and she is starting to get used to bed time bassinet. I really don't want to confuse her but want her to feel safe and settled if nap time approaches and she may need to be held to sleep. She doesn't seem to enjoy being held 😔 and starts fidgeting and squirming getting frustrated. Any ideas how to settle and encourage a nap time being held?

Why does she need to be held, if she doesn't like it? Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong (and lots of lovely things) about holding a baby to sleep, but I think in your situation I'd just stick with the carrycot as this is quite a portable solution.

You could try in a sling? But she might not like that either. Some babies seem to really like their space to stretch out.

I may have to try a sling and give it a go 🤞
She enjoys her carrycot as it's moving and being rocked, but we have lots of occasions where I can't take the carrycot with us, school meeting, school assemblies, swimming club, my in-laws as in a small 2nd floor flat etc. But I think I may need to invest in a sling and see if she likes it 😊 xx

Car seats are great for that IME. I know they say they shouldn't sleep in them but I always went with the guidance of max 2 hours and that was OK with me. Personal preference of course.

Perhaps she’s too hot with the heat from you holding her?

I don't think I'd want to encourage a baby being held to get to sleep.

I hold my baby in my arms, turned slightly towards me, so she is on her side and her belly against me.. And pat her bottom and this usually sends her to sleep