Babies: 3 - 6 Months

2-3-4 Awake Schedule

Who does this?  Was it tough implementing?

My DD only sleeps for 30 - 45 min four times a day and consistently fights me on the last nap, so I was thinking this might be a good schedule for her and will hopefully lengthen her nap times.

Next week I'm doing Ferber to work on her transitioning from the swing to the crib.  And the following week I'm hoping to try to work on this schedule.

Any input or tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

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Re: 2-3-4 Awake Schedule

  • I don't know but the few times DD was made to go 4 hours she is just a breath away from a meltdown. It seems like a LONG stretch for babies this young but what do I know.
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  • Every since we Ferbered, nights and naps have been so much better. DD was never a good napper, 30 minutes on her own, 1-2 hours (if you were lucky) if you held her. We started Ferber 1.5 weeks ago and while it was not the 3 day miracle that some people experience, we're getting to a very good place right now.

     

    We were going to hold off and try Ferber for naps to give us all a break, but when we tried just to see what would happen if we put her down "drowsy" for a nap, she passed out after 3 minutes and slept for 1.5 hours. Heaven! She's been doing this consistently for the past few days.

     

    We also used Ferber as an opportunity to go cold turkey on the pacifier as well. She sleeps so much better now.

     

    Right now we're in a 2-3-2.5 schedule, but I'm thinking that the last nap (around 4:30 and only about 30 minutes) might be the first to be dropped. I'm hoping that this might extend the afternoon nap a bit, but I shouldn't get too greedy at this point. 4 hours does seem like a long stretch at this age. I read that post-6 months they generally take on this pattern on their own. Here's to hoping!

     

    Good luck! 

  • imagelbm112:

    Every since we Ferbered, nights and naps have been so much better. DD was never a good napper, 30 minutes on her own, 1-2 hours (if you were lucky) if you held her. We started Ferber 1.5 weeks ago and while it was not the 3 day miracle that some people experience, we're getting to a very good place right now.

     

    We were going to hold off and try Ferber for naps to give us all a break, but when we tried just to see what would happen if we put her down "drowsy" for a nap, she passed out after 3 minutes and slept for 1.5 hours. Heaven! She's been doing this consistently for the past few days.

     

    We also used Ferber as an opportunity to go cold turkey on the pacifier as well. She sleeps so much better now.

     

    Right now we're in a 2-3-2.5 schedule, but I'm thinking that the last nap (around 4:30 and only about 30 minutes) might be the first to be dropped. I'm hoping that this might extend the afternoon nap a bit, but I shouldn't get too greedy at this point. 4 hours does seem like a long stretch at this age. I read that post-6 months they generally take on this pattern on their own. Here's to hoping!

    Thank you!!  That's some great info.  I agree that 4 hours seems long for them at this age, but when my DD has bypassed her afternoon/evening naps a few times this past week, she's actually done pretty well.  No melt downs, and goes down for bed after our routine quite easily.  This is the reason I'm thinking it might be pretty applicable for her in the next few weeks.  But for now, as I said, I'm going to just work on getting her to nap in her crib.  I've set the limit for 3 days.  I've written out my schedule (so I have something to reinforce my goal) and am spending Sunday making Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night dinner.  I know it's going to be hell, but the swing has become unsafe as she arches her back and will hit her head on the bar (even when strapped in), tries to sit up and roll out of it.  It's not an option for us anymore.

    Thanks again for your input!

    Good luck! 

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  • PLEASE DONT MAKE YOUR LO STAY UP FOR 4 HOURS!!!!!!!!

    Below is the recommended awake time for babies between naps / before bed. It includes all things awake, like eating, diapering, playing and the time it takes to fall back asleep.

    At 5 months, 2-2.5 hrs is a good amount. More than that and you are risking overtiredness and it could explain a lack of good naps. In fact, if your LO is not currently napping well, it is recommended to decrease awake time and see if that works. 

    Guideline for Awake time for babies
    Newborn 50-60 mins
    1 month 60 mins-hour and 15
    2 months 1 hour and 15 - 20 mins
    3 months 1 hour and 20 - 30 mins
    4 months 1 hour and 45 - 2 hours
    5 months 2 hours - 2.25 hours
    Late 5 months/early 6 months 2.25-2.5 hours
    6.5 - 7 months 2.75-3 hours. Some are getting more.
    8 - 10 months 3 - 4 hours. Some are getting more.
    11 - 12 months 3.5 -4.5 hours. Some are getting more if moved early to 1 nap 

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