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Any thoughts on naps when you can't have a set routine (14 months)

2 replies

Judyandherdreamofhorses · 12/09/2013 06:13

I've just gone back to work, and DS's sleep has gone to pot. Obviously these things could be linked, or coincidental. He's never been a good sleeper, but he was at least consistently bad so I knew what to expect!

Since 11 months though, his naps have really improved. He learnt to self settle in his cot and would have up to two hours. Never managed set times, but very often it was about 9.30 am, then a shorter pushchair or car nap later in the afternoon if we were out.

Over the summer holidays, he seemed to sleep best at night if he had one long daytime nap and an early bedtime. Sometimes he'd have a second short nap. Was only waking once at night.

Now we have a nanny in the mornings, whom understandably wants to get out and about. She has my DD (4) two mornings and has to get her to school the other three (10 minute drive). She also has her own DD sometimes. I'm back just after lunch. On days when DS hasn't slept at all, I can get him to have a long nap straightaway. Other days, he's had maybe half an hour in the car or pushchair but then I can't get him to sleep again.

I'm not blaming the nanny - she does all she can. Am I missing something obvious though? Should I be trying really early bedtimes to make up for less daytime sleep?

Sorry for long and boring post!

OP posts:
minipie · 12/09/2013 14:47

I'd be asking the nanny (with help from your four year old!) to do their best to keep him awake all morning so he can have a good long nap straight after lunch. so lots of lively songs and toys and your dd pulling faces while in the car for example. if you can get him sleeping well at night he hopefully will be less likely to nod off in the car/pram too.

ScottishInSwitzerland · 12/09/2013 22:04

We had this with my dd2 at a similar age. Where all was well if she stayed awake in the morning, but often she would fall asleep in the pushchair briefly and that would mess it all up.

I didn't do anything that ground breaking bust as pp said try to keep her awake in the morning. She's now 18 months and is in a lovely little routine. I think also as they get older they don't just fall asleep as soon as they are in pushchair/car so that makes it easier

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