I need help

[MrsL2012]

DS is 7 months. He sleeps through the night, goes to bed drowsy but awake, has a toss and turn and sends himself to sleep. He also wakes once or twice in the night but again settles himself back without me or DH going to him.

So why are naptimes so difficult? I've just spent 50 minutes getting him to sleep, with him kicking and screaming in protest.

I try to catch him when he shows the first sign. I've tried pre-empting his nap and started the process 10-15 mins early but i get the same. If I dare to put him in his cot he'll bang his legs, throw his arms around and scream so loud I can hear him outside - my mum sent me outside to get a break and that's how I heard him.

I've tried shush pat which makes no difference to him, tried pick up put down,and tried CC but I can't leave him so distressed for long.

A walk in the pram used to be good but now doesn't work as he's so nosey. He screams so loudly in the car I avoid going out. Now I have to lie him on me and rock him till hes asleep and if I try moving him he wakes.

I can't go out much as he'll scream in a cafe/shop because he won't go to sleep so I feel quite trapped. Everything is done on a time limit when I know he's awake and happy as I feel so embarrassed going out with him screaming the way he does.

When he does go to sleep - usually i have three of these fights every day - he'll only sleep for between 30-40 mins.

I'm at my wits end. I get so upset because he is so upset. My DH took him out yesterday to give me a break and he screamed for 40 mins in the pram refusing sleep (although I'm secretly happy that he did this so my DH knows what it's like!)

Sorry for the essay. I'm so lucky and grateful that he sleeps through the night. All people say to me is "he'll grow out of it" or "you can't have both ways". He's gets so grumpy when he's tired so I know he needs the sleep.

I feel so bad I've obviously gone wrong somewhere ð??¥

You haven't gone wrong. Some babies / toddlers just aren't very good at napping.

My DS is 2.3. We had awful trouble with sleep in general until he was 14 months old, when on a whim we took him off dairy and all of a sudden he started sleeping. Since then he's become great at night, but he still will not nap in his cot. Never. Sometimes he'll fall asleep in his buggy or the car, but more often than not I cuddle or BF him to sleep on the sofa. I've just made my peace with that TBH. I have a book, the TV remote, paperwork that needs sorting, and I put my feet up.

Sometimes I can lie down next to him and then wriggle out, but I usually don't bother as the dog comes and cuddles up too and I've not got the heart to move him!

Sorry, that's not very helpful really!

Thanks for replying. I wouldn't mind so much if he went to sleep on me with a cuddle but it's at least 30 minutes of kicking, screaming, stiffening and arching his back first. I just can't settle him.

My DH wants baby #2 but I think i'd end up in a strait jacket if DS is still like this or if new one takes after it's brother!

Oh yes, been there. It's so hard when they fight sleep like this. It WILL get better, honestly! Hopefully somebody will be along soon with some more useful advice.

That sounds hard work. I agree, v frustrating when you can see how much try need a nap but just keep powering on.

You say your LO likes to be rocked and be held by you? Just wondering if you've tried a sling. This works for my nosy little boy - we pop the sleep hood on (parrot blanket!) so he can't nosy too much and head out for a walk. Can put him in it at home and - carefully!- sit on the sofa. This could also work for walking to cafés?

Ive tried a sling too (forgot to mention that!), he doesn't like it. I don't think he likes being confined into a small space. He seems to like his cot at night as he shuffles around all over and didn't like his Moses basket. He doesn't like his car seat yet likes his buggy (when he's not tired), as he has more room.

I've been to see my HV, she's coming out tomorrow for a proper chat.