Nursing to sleep and a nanny

opheliainwaders

I'm starting work on Monday, and DD (3mo) will be staying with a nanny at another family's house (they have a 5 month old). The nanny is pretty game for AP things like babywearing, and I'm happy we've found a situation with a better ratio (1:2, instead of 1:4 at a daycare).

That said, what do those of you who work do about naps? DD generally nurses to sleep for naps, and I'm not sure what guidance, if any, to give the nanny about putting her to sleep? What has worked for you?

Thanks!

SarahandSam2007

Rocking plus pacifier.  Does DH ever put your LO to sleep?  If so, what's their routine?

opheliainwaders

He will sometimes rock her back to sleep in the evenings if she wakes before her typical eating time, but otherwise, I usually put her to sleep (and he works crazy hours lately, so he hasn't been around in the daytime much at all). I think she did take a nap OK with my mom, using a bottle and a rocking chair, so I'm hopeful that she'll just create a new sleep association with the nanny? She won't take a pacifier from me, but I'm also hoping she'll take it from the nanny (she will sometimes take it from DH).

SarahandSam2007

gulickr said:

He will sometimes rock her back to sleep in the evenings if she wakes before her typical eating time, but otherwise, I usually put her to sleep (and he works crazy hours lately, so he hasn't been around in the daytime much at all). I think she did take a nap OK with my mom, using a bottle and a rocking chair, so I'm hopeful that she'll just create a new sleep association with the nanny? She won't take a pacifier from me, but I'm also hoping she'll take it from the nanny (she will sometimes take it from DH).

She will create a new sleep association.  I promise!  My LO will not take a pacifier from me all the time either.  My MIL uses it and we've never had any issues with him taking a nap.  Might be a couple days to figure out what works for everyone, but they will get there! 

opheliainwaders

Thanks . I'm having kind of a hard time with this, even though I KNOW she'll be fine. Sniffle.

Mrs.AmyDylan

My mom watches J when my business is crazy busy. She gets her in her sleep sack, socks, fans on and darkens the room. Then they side-lie bottle feed. Basically the same thing I do nursing to sleep. Baby wearing is great. They will create their own routines. Good luck!

opheliainwaders

Hi all - just thought I'd update - the first two days with the nanny are going really well! She's been able to put her to sleep with rocking and a pacifier, and I've had the chance to feed her during my lunch break both days (she takes a bottle no problem, but I like to nurse so I can pump a bit less-frequently). So far, so good!

skibunny59

I went back to work when DD was 6 months old and DD is with my mom.  I have always nursed DD to sleep and my mom has never once had a problem putting her to sleep for her naps.  My daughter has also never taken a pacifier.  My mom usually rocks her and sings to her.

Also, if your LO is really freaking out try the exhaust fan in the kitchen.  The very few times my DD has freaked out because someone else is trying to put her to bed, the exhaust fan calms her right down.

Babies are very adaptable.  Your LO will be fine.

[Deleted User]

Babies are crazy adaptable! When my DD started daycare at 4 1/2 months I worried about this but she did fine taking a bottle and being rocked to sleep. She's 11 months now and still does great. Your LO will do fine, I'm sure! GL OP.