Help! DS only falls asleep in his stroller....

pghwedding10/08

I know that this is likely a phase and I should take the "this too shall pass" attitude-but I'm looking for some suggestions....

It all started when I would put DS in his stroller in the bathroom while I took a shower in the morning.  Each and every day that I showered around his nap time he would fall asleep while I showered or while I was drying my hair.  So the other day after our nursing/rocking routine (which is how I usually put him down for naps) I was at my wits end when he kept wiggling and wouldn't fall asleep.  As a last resort-I strapped him into the stroller and pushed it near the bathroom.  Low and behold-2 mins later he was fast asleep without a peep.  So, now out of partial experiment/partial last ditch effort-we have been putting him in his stroller for naps and at bedtime if he does not fall asleep easily with nursing/rocking.  I know the easy solution would be to just put him in his crib instead of the stroller.  This is where the problem lies-he HATES his crib.  He screams hysterically every time I put him in there.  He just stands up, holds on to the crib rails, and yells Momma!!  With the stroller he is strapped in and forced to stay laying down.  I am not looking to do any type of cry it out....so for now, I guess he will just sleep in his stroller.  Anyone have a similar experience or any tips??  I guess it is not a huge problem-just kinda wierd that my kid only falls asleep in his stroller.....

SparkFish

If you don't mind the stroller, and you don't want to CIO, I'd say just go with the stroller. Maybe you could try putting the stroller in his room (instead of the bathroom) and transition him to the crib eventually? Or, maybe try putting pillows in the crib so it feels a little more cozy, like the stroller? Really, though, I don't see the stroller as a big problem. If it works, it works!

davis0905

The sleep/stroller association has become so strong that now your LO no long associates sleep with the crib.  If it were me, I would be trying to fix that...because the longer it continues, the  harder it will be to break the habit.  Maybe try some other things to help him get used to his crib again?  Like introducing a lovey or some comforting music or toys for his crib?  Does it help if you stay in the room until he falls asleep (doesn't help my LO, it just makes her angrier but I know it has helpd some kids)?  You might want to try reading the No Cry Sleep Solution if you are completely opposed to CIO.  GL!