4 Week Old Napping Nightmare

knottie913bdadf70d85fec

My 1 month old sleeps pretty well at night, but we struggle with daytime sleep. She will go whole 2-4 hour stretches between feeds crying without getting any sleep. Any suggestions on what to do when baby is overtired but won’t sleep/how to better respond to her sleep cues? 

Should we put her down for naps like we do for bedtime with a swaddle in a dark room with a sound machine? Or should her daytime nap routine be different than bedtime routine? I don’t want to cause her confusion and do anything that will negatively impact her nighttime sleep.

knottie0d83369f4fb2eb92

I have a similar issue with daytime naps unless she’s being held. Have you found anything that works??

knottiebfb9f223d83ad977

Yes, use the swaddle and sound machine for naps, but keep the room dim rather than pitch-dark to help differentiate day from night.

_beckywhite_

Daytime sleep can often be more challenging, but establishing a consistent nap routine can really help. Yes, you should absolutely consider putting her down for naps in a similar manner to bedtime—using a swaddle, keeping the room dark, and employing a sound machine are all excellent strategies.

Daytime naps don't necessarily need to be an exact replica of the nighttime routine; however, maintaining some consistency will help her understand that it's time to sleep. Watch for her sleep cues—rubbing eyes, yawning, or fussiness—and try to put her down before she gets overtired. If she starts crying and seems unable to settle down after a few minutes, it might help to comfort her briefly before trying again.

Remember that every baby is different; what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts and adjust as needed! You're doing an amazing job navigating this new journey. If you have any further questions or need support along the way, don't hesitate to reach out!