Is contact napping bad?

[mrsacampbell]

FTM here. My 9wo DD will only nap on me during the day. She goes down OK in her basket at night but has to be fast asleep to settle. If she stirs, I have to cuddle and resettle her otherwise she becomes distressed.

My question is, am I doing something wrong? She has reflux so I have to hold her upright after feeds and this is when she often falls asleep.

I don't want to 'create bad habits' but sometimes it's just easier to cuddle her and let her sleep.

Also, tried her in her next to me crib instead of the basket the other night and she wriggled so much she woke herself up loads! Cue me picking her up and rocking her back to sleep x 1000

No you’re not doing anything wrong, I wish I’d worried less about putting my boy down when he was little, he would only nap on me or in the pram, he’s ten months now and will happily nap in his cot for 2 hours. I hated this when people said it to me but honestly, put your feet up, find something good to watch and snuggle your baby! When they get a bit older you can do things to gently get them used to sleeping on their own. Will she nap in the pram? Just so you can get out for your own sanity! You could always get a sling as well if you wanted to be more mobile xx

Cuddle your baby as much as you want. She will never be this little again and it won’t do her any harm.

They’re tiny babies they’re not meant to be alone on a flat surface without mum it goes against every instinct they have. You’re not doing anything wrong, with you is safe for them that’s why they like it.

Congratulations on your new baby

I have an 18 week old. She sleeps 11 hours(ish) at night but all her day time naps are in my arms if we're not in the car. As long as you're happy to do it and it's not upsetting you then you carry on as you are. You're clearly doing a wonderful job and she loves to be with Mummy.

This is classic 4th trimester behaviour. Enjoy the cuddles. She wants to be close to you. It won't be forever.

If it helps, one of my fondest memories and things I am most proud of from the early baby years with my son was taking an hour to cuddle him every day. He had a two hour nap and found it hard to settle.. so I started with a cuddle to comfort him. And then I realised how it was just as important for me. That the housework could, in fact, wait. That he'd never be so little again and I'd never get this time and freedom to just absorb the moment again. He's nine now, but I still look back and cherish that special time we had together.