Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Sleep

Join our Sleep forum for tips on creating a sleep routine for your baby or toddler. Need more advice on your childs development? Sign up to our Ages and Stages newsletter here.

Flip

Original poster

napping on the go

11 replies

sarahandemily · 04/07/2010 15:47

Until 2 weeks ago was letting ds nap on me during the day which was very draining but made it easy to take her places as I knew I could get her to nap

Got really fed up with not being able to put her down so used baby whisperer techniques to get her to nap in cot. Was quite gruelling, involving a lot of crying but has more or less worked - some days better than others as with everything - but she does need dummy and swaddle to get off.

Now though she will not go to sleep by cuddling and has never really liked the pram/buggy (will fall asleep for a bit but not for a proper nap)

This means I am now nervous about taking her out for longer than a couple of hours as I think she wont nap and then will be unhappy. Feeling quite stuck at home and bored by the prospect of not going out

DS is 14 weeks old. Anyone had similar experience - any tips on helping napping on the move or is it like everything else and just wait for them to get older.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

curlyLJ · 04/07/2010 17:31

I have much the same issue. DD dislikes being pushed in her pram and therefore wont drop off to sleep in it. She will however take her nap in it at home, providing I have cuddled her until she is drowsy before putting her in and pushing back and forth up and down the kitchen!

I have driven myself mad with this, really worrying that DD wont nap when out and about etc, but to be honest I have now come to the conclusion that I have to do what I have to do and the only way she will get used to napping out and about is if I keep encouraging it. I don't want to end up feeling like a prisoner in my own home for the sake of DD's naps! I will just try to make sure she has one good quality nap at home per day.

I do think it's one of those things that will improve as she gets older... In fact DH and I took her out this afternoon and although we had a near meltdown in the pub/restaurant due to overtiredness, she eventually dropped off and napped for an hour in her pram - so it is getting easier as she wouldn't have done that a few weeks ago. She is 16 weeks old btw.

Original poster

sarahandemily · 04/07/2010 20:11

Nice to know Im not the only one - will keep trying to take her out and try not to get too stressed by the meltdowns!

OP posts:

Suchanamateur · 05/07/2010 12:28

I'm in a similar position. My DS also 16 weeks and while I'm very grateful that he has now learnt to nap in his for (previously would only nap being walked in sling), I am finding it pretty restricting- and frustrating when friends babies happily nod off in prams in cafes. A bit like curly, I've decided I have to take a gamble on it some days or I'll go stir crazy. So if we have a day out and he only gets a brief catnap, then I'll try and spend the next day in to let him catch up. I also try to schedule lunches and coffees etc around times when I think he'll be awake. That's the theory in any case. In reality, I get quite stressed about it! I certainly hope it's something that might improve with age, but I say that about lots of sleep things!

BertieBotts · 05/07/2010 12:32

Have you tried a sling? It depends what it is you don't like about her napping on you (BTW, DS means dear son, DD is dear daughter ) - if it's being stuck to one place and not being able to do anything, then a sling will be great, but if it's that you feel suffocated/tied to her all the time then it might not be such a good idea.

If she likes being swaddled then a stretchy wrap sling is probably your best bet - these are really comfortable to wear and easy to use as well. (Much easier than it looks!)

Original poster

sarahandemily · 05/07/2010 15:19

I know I typed ds wrong and only realised after post.

Im like suchanamatuer in that Im really happy to have naps in the cot as it gives me some much valued free time in the day and fingers crossed think this issue is as sorted as these things get with a little baby. Is like everything - you think to yourself if I could just get this thing sorted everything would be great but then you realise there is something else to wish for! I have baby bjorn which I keep trying her in but she doesnt seem to like it - in fact she seems to have gone off cuddling so not sure the sling thing will work but its worth a try. Thanks for advice

OP posts:

BertieBotts · 05/07/2010 16:01

Ah OK, sorry, I thought you might be new and not realising what the acronyms meant. It might be worth trying a different sling than the baby bjorn as it isn't one of the best, but it can be a lot of money to spend out - if there is a sling meet anywhere near you it might be a good idea to try some out, but up to you.

Suchanamateur · 05/07/2010 16:57

Clearly tempted fate there as all naps- in whatever shape or form- have gone to shit today!

Original poster

sarahandemily · 06/07/2010 14:07

Mine too yesterday! Today not going too well either - much sympathy!

OP posts:

Suchanamateur · 06/07/2010 15:38

Or mine today! Arghh.. And last night was dreadful too. Hoping yours improves.

Original poster

sarahandemily · 07/07/2010 09:29

yes - awake every 2 hours last night! Good luck for today/tonight

OP posts:

Suchanamateur · 07/07/2010 09:32

You too! Awake at 1 and then pretty much hourly after that... Broken

Flip