Attachment Parenting

3 Year Old Nap Transition

I have an almost 3 year old that I still hold for naps. He goes down just fine and by himself for night time, but we both enjoy the cuddle time during naps (especially since cuddle time is becoming a rarity as he gets older). If I need to get something done, I can usually put him down after 15 minutes of holding him but he'll usually wake up after 30-60 minutes and want to be held again. No big deal.

The problem? I'm due in August with baby #2 and I won't be able to hold him for his naps anymore as baby #2 will also need my attention. I thought that we'd be phasing out nap time by then, but he's really not ready to drop that nap anytime soon. I wouldn't mind family napping on our bed with baby and toddler, but my toddler is very particular and won't sleep anywhere other than his room with his blackout curtains/sound machine.

Any suggestions on how to gently transition him to napping on his own after so long? TIA!

Re: 3 Year Old Nap Transition

  • Hmm...not sure why PP thought that was an appropriate suggestion. Sounds rather heartless to do that to anyone, even a three year old. They're still young children that value that connection and snuggle time. Sheesh!

    Anyway, have you considered putting a futon or twin mattress in DS' room? Then when baby comes you could do what you recommended...all nap together. You could try also talking with him about when baby number 2 arrives, and asking him how he would like to nap then. Maybe he would compromise with something like going to sleep while having his back rubbed and being sung to.
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  • imagewife07mom09:

    put him in the bed, close the door. 

    not being rude but wow,  a 3 year old?  Let him learn some soothing and independence 

    Not how I raise my child, but thanks. He's perfectly independent and can self-sooth just fine.

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  • imageEmerald27:
    Hmm...not sure why PP thought that was an appropriate suggestion. Sounds rather heartless to do that to anyone, even a three year old. They're still young children that value that connection and snuggle time. Sheesh! Anyway, have you considered putting a futon or twin mattress in DS' room? Then when baby comes you could do what you recommended...all nap together. You could try also talking with him about when baby number 2 arrives, and asking him how he would like to nap then. Maybe he would compromise with something like going to sleep while having his back rubbed and being sung to.

    Thank you for your suggestions! We're just making the transition to a toddler bed, so I'm not sure we'll have a twin bed in there by the time baby arrives. I like the rubbing back/singing suggestion and that is how I got him to eventually sleep on his own at nighttime too. I honestly think he'll be fine...it's more me that will miss that time together. 

     

  • imagewife07mom09:

    put him in the bed, close the door. 

    not being rude but wow,  a 3 year old?  Let him learn some soothing and independence 

    Why are you on this board?

    DS1 - Feb 2008

    DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)

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