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How to transition 22 month old to cot naps

6 replies

user1474565301 · 28/12/2017 12:42

I have a 22 month little girl who is in the superstar sleeper at night. We have a lovely bedtime routine and she goes down awake, drifts off and sleeps for 11.5-12 hours.
However, for her daytime naps, I cannot settle her in her cot and have to either drive in the car or pushchair until she goes off.
We've been doing this since May.
I'd like to get her napping in her cot, as I have another baby due this May.
Any ideas how, please?

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Rainatnight · 28/12/2017 12:46

When I did this with a younger baby (8/9 months), I did a version of gradual retreat. So DD went in the cot, not happy. I stayed in the room, doing something boring like folding laundry, or nothing at all. So she knew I was nearby but there was no entertainment going on.

Then moved a bit towards the door.

Then out of the door.

Then back in every ten/15 seconds or so, saying 'nap time now. Sleep tight' (or something).

I can't remember how long it took her to get the hang of it - maybe a fortnight or so?

Rainatnight · 28/12/2017 12:48

Sorry, meant to sum up by saying that the main message was Naps in the Cot Are Happening! I just stuck at it. She's a fabulous napper now. She was younger, though.

FATEdestiny · 28/12/2017 13:31

What's your overall daytime routine usually? Then what is the bedtime routine to get to sleep?

user1474565301 · 28/12/2017 19:10

Our daily routine:
Wake at 6-6.30am, nappy and dress
7am breakfast
10am snack
12 noon nap in car, for 45 mins - 1 hr
1pm lunch
3pm snack
5.30pm tea
6.15pm start bedtime routine
7pm in bed and asleep

Bedtime routine is:
Run bath, then in bedroom for nappy off and undress, bath, clean nappy on, pjs and sleeping bag on, few pages of story, lamp off and in bed by 7pm. I walk out and she usually rolls over and is asleep after a few minutes.

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FATEdestiny · 28/12/2017 22:47

Move lunch to 11.30, before nap time not after. Try to give enough so a snack isn't needed and just offer a drink when waking. But if you feel snack time is necessary, make it after the nap night before.

Ensure toddler drinks well, hydration is important.

12pm is a good nap time given your daily timings. I would copy bedtime routine exactly, right down to changing into nightwear. Do a wash instead of bath, but keep nappy off time, teeth brush, new nappy, PJs, story etc.

Endure you have fully blacked out windows. I'd recommend blackout curtains plus blinds. Put the curtain pole up higher and plenty wider than the window - this stood light bleeding around the edge of the blinds.

Finally, develop some means of extra help that you give to help baby sleep in the cot at lunchtime. Her pressure to sleep will be less than at bedtime, so you may need to give extra help. At least initially

My children have a dummy. So I would give dummy, stand by the cot and do a little face tickling and shushing until asleep, while leaning into the cot. If toddler went to stand up, calmly lie back down and continue. Repeating this a million times over as needed.

user1474565301 · 29/12/2017 13:13

Thank you both so much for your replies. I shall give your suggestions a try.

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