Nap routine

[Anothernewmum1]

My baby is 2 months old and EBF. Because he has significant reflux, we hold him upright after every feed for around 30 mins usually over our shoulder.
We currently have no nap routine and so naps are very hit and miss. He generally only ever feeds to sleep which can he really helpful but I’d read about the feed,play, nap cycle. When he feeds we can’t ‘play’ straight after because he’s being held up so then he ends up napping. However when he wakes from his nap he usually wants to eat.
He will sometimes take a dummy when we’ve tried it but not always.
how can I get into a better nap routine? Currently I get no time at all in the day because he’s always in my arms napping with a few excepts when I can put him down but not for long.

It's the 30 minutes upright that's the problem, so look to solve that if possible.

If it definitely is reflux, get it medicated and under control. Because at this age baby only has around 40 minutes awake between naps do baby is losing out on valuable floor time, tummy time, and general developing of gross motor skills.

If its crying and seeming uncomfortable that you are assuming is reflux, there are large numbers of different things that cause identical symptoms - the simplest if which is overtired and wanting a dummy to suck.

In terms of managing the situation you are in, at this age I'd feed at both waking and sleeping - even though they are usually only within 30-60 minutes.

@FATEdestiny Thank you. I agree about missing out which makes me so sad like I’m letting him down. We have been given omeprazole but haven’t seen a difference yet. We aren’t sure completely if it’s reflux but we have been referred to ent. He doesn’t seem to be in lots of pain because he doesn’t cry all that often and he never spits up but he clears his throat, thrashes around, has hiccups, sounds wet/congested and chokes after feeds.

You should follow medical advice and if medical advice to to stay upright for 30 mins after every feed, do be it.

At this age, I wouldn't worry you much that baby is breast feeding to sleep, thats natural.

I'd feed upon waking, if that makes baby go back to sleep, go with it. If baby is still awake after 30 mins on your shoulder - have floor time until baby is crying. Take that as the marker for time for next nap. See if baby will go to sleep without feeding (dummy will help), if not, just feed.

My baby has just turned three months and her sleep/feed habits have completely changed in the last week or two. She used to breastfeed to sleep all the time but rarely does now. It suddenly became very clear after she was staying awake after feeds that a nap schedule was needed. We’re now in a nap routine that works really well. However, I now feel quite restricted throughout the day because she’ll only nap in carrier or car at the moment and wakes up quite easily, so I’m spending hours every day bobbing around the house. Have to support her head all the time! Her naps fell into place quite naturally. I’d just enjoy going with the flow while you can!