My DS is super exhausted (he's been up for 5+ hours now), but won't take a nap. I've tried several different times in a variety of ways (nursing, rocking, patting, paci, etc.) and he closes his eyes for maybe 2-3 minutes and then they snap open again.
Should I swaddle? I've read several posts about people not swaddling because it's saved for their night routine only.
Do I just cover DS in a blanket?
Do I just put him in the swing and hope he falls asleep?
I'm totally at a loss right now. How do you get your LO to nap??
Re: How do you get your LO to nap??
My baby won't nap unless she is swaddled. I use the Swaddle Me at night and a blanket during the day. You have to make sure the blanket is big enough so your LO won't kick it open. At times I forget DD is nit swaddled and I try to figure out what is wrong... the i remember to swaddle. She is out as soon as I finish.
I also agree w/ pp. Happiest Baby on the Block is a great resource!
Up until 4 days ago, LO would only nap while being held no matter what we tried even though she would sleep in the RNP at night (not complaining b/c we would rather have her able to u/s night time and hold her all day than have it the other way around). You may just have a touchy baby that needs to be held to nap, but don't worry, it won't last that way forever!
We try a little bit of everything. Some things will work one day or for a while and then not. Swaddling helps. Loud white noise helps - like the vacuum or the hair dryer. Combine this with the motion of the swing or in my arms bouncing on an exercise ball. Sometimes they just won't nap for longer than 20 minutes or so.