Help: tips for introducing nap time in the cot

[Sharkbuff]

My 6 month old currently sleeps in our bed at night & will only nap during the day in her car seat, either on a drive or bouncing it on a pilates ball! I'm trying to get her to nap in her cot but its not going well. I made sure she first spent lots of times playing in it to get her used to the room & to make her confortable there. I stay with her when trying to get her to nap there & sing her usual getting to sleep lullaby but don't make eye contact after reading that its not a good idea. So far no luck, she just cries & cries till she's shaking so bad I have to pick her up. The longest I've tried is 45 mins! I really want her to get used to sleeping there so the move from our bed eventually goes smoother! And she'll soon be too big for the bounceable car seat!

Have you tried rocking her to sleep in your arms then putting her down once asleep? I generally have to do that for 9 out of 10 naps for my 7mo, even though she self-settles at night. She just needs more help getting to sleep for naps... It sounds like your LO needs motion to nap...

Thanks CityDweller. I will try that. Occasionally she'll fall asleep in the stroller so I think you're right about needing the motion.

Sharkbuff, try the Baby Whisperer book for shhh-patt, pick-up put down and nap-time ritual techniques.

The No-Cry Sleep and Nap solution books may also be helpful.

It will be a big transition for your DD so your involvement in comforting her throughout, rather than letting her cry, will be key, I think. The writers of the above books both emphasise the importance of the involvement in the parent in soothing to avoid / minimise crying, and just have different philosophies and approaches.

Not that I am an expert - I've made, and continue to make, many, many errors as regards DS's sleep and we have a lot to sort out!

But... I thought DS needed either constant motion and / or to be next to (e.g. in a sling, lying on) one of us for naps, and even initially to go to sleep for the night, but I quickly realised once I started trying that I was quite wrong.

Thank you so much ibandrb. I have checked out the baby whisperer online & so many people have also recommended her book. Sounds like she has some great methods. Will invest in her book for sure. I'll also look up the other books. Here's hoping! I really can't bear leaving her to cry so sounds like the ideal method for me. Much appreciated!