Independent napping

Cheerpeanut

My son is 12 weeks old and still fights naps each and every time, unless we are wearing him. When I put him down sleeping for a nap he wakes up within 30 min swaddled, unswaddled, white noise, stomach, back, swing... I've tried it all! In a carrier he will nap for an hour minimum. I'm worried about next month when I go back to work and he is at daycare. I don't know how he will nap! Anyone been through this?

youenjoymyself

My baby still doesn't nap well at daycare. She might sleep a total of 2 hours throughout the day, broken into 4 30 minute catnaps. I have no idea what will make her nap better.

juliane2004

How long is he awake before you try to put him down to nap?

Cheerpeanut

He's usually up for a solid 2 hours between naps playing and eating.

juliane2004

Cheerpeanut:

He's usually up for a solid 2 hours between naps playing and eating.

I would venture to say he's overtired by the time you're trying to put him down.

Guideline for Awake time for babies
0-4 weeks: 30-45 minutes
4-6 weeks: 40-60 minutes
6-8 weeks: 40-70 minutes
8-12 weeks: 50-80 minutes
3-4 months: 60-90 minutes
4-5 months: 1 hr to 1.5 hrs
5-6 months: 1.5 hours
6-9 months: 2 hours, give or take 15 minutes 

 

Try putting him down awake (and swaddled, IMO) after 80-90 minutes.

Cheerpeanut

Thanks for the nap recommendations. How long should naps last? His are often only 2030 minutes and rarely longer.

juliane2004

Cheerpeanut:

Thanks for the nap recommendations. How long should naps last? His are often only 2030 minutes and rarely longer.

Short naps like this are also evidence of over-tiredness. A baby who is overtired is usually unable to get good, restful sleep.

Naps 45 minutes or less are considered non-rejuvenative, so I aim for at LEAST 1 hour, if not 1.5-2 hours.