Babies: 6 - 9 Months

Baby only naps in stroller - Life is like the movie "Speed"

My seven-month old only naps if we are on the move.  He LOVES his stroller and will go right out in that, if it's moving.  He also sleeps well in the car seat, when the car is moving.  When we come to a red light, he stirs.  We feel like our life is like the movie "Speed," with Sandra Bullock, when she had to keep the bus going at a certain pace, otherwise the bomb would explode.  Today, for his two naps, I had to go on the porch and go back and forth with him in the stroller, otherwise, he refused to nap in his crib.  He also freaks out when I try to get him to nap in the pack-n-play.  I knew he was tired and fighting it, so I did the porch/stroller technique just now, and he was out in under one minute.  I can't live my life on the move outside!  Any advice? 
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Re: Baby only naps in stroller - Life is like the movie "Speed"

  • You have a way with words. :) I could picture a mommy on the move at all times trying to keep the baby happy.

    This is going to make me sound like a total poop, but I would just let him cry for a few minutes, or sit with him in the room while he in his crib and pat his bum, tell him it's okay, etc. 

    I have had to introduce all kinds of new things to DD like the goofy Kidco travel tent for when we are on vacation, her new stroller, her pool floaty with sunshade, etc. and she often cries initially and I just try to make it be fun, or comfortable by bringing in stuff she likes, or staying with her and rubbing her back. I have always found that after a day or two of me being supportive, but not changing the situation she gets over it. She got over the travel tent because while she was screaming bloody murder, I got in with her and fed her a bottle and played with her for about 20 minutes. Now she thinks her tent is totally awesome and she gets excited when she sees it.She hung out in it today while I sat outside folding her laundry.

    That said, she is not one of those kids who build stress from crying - if your DS is, this strategy likely won't work, but it sounds like he is having a hard time self soothing.

    I hope this helps. Best wishes for a quick resolution. :) 

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  • When you know he is tired and he is not sick, not  hungry, not wet/ dirty diaper tell him night night put him in his crib and walk out of the room and shut the door.  He will cry but he will eventually go to sleep. Start now before he gets older, it will only get harder the older he gets.
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  • I remember those days with my son...  I drove and drove...  I bought food from drive thru and ate while I wa driving. That's why I promised myself never to do this again with my daughter.  She does fall asleep sometimes in the car, but I don't drive to make her fall asleep.  When she refuses to take a nap, I just let her play.  When she is miserable enough, she would whine a little in her crib and fall asleep.  A little crying is not a big deal.  
    m/c - Dec 2005, DS - March 27, 2007, m/c - Oct 2009, DD - Feb 20, 2012

    Proud mother of two breech babies:)

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  • I feel your pain! My son is almost 9 months and only naps in my arms while nursing or in the carseat or stroller. I want to try CIO for his naps as it worked for his night sleep but its hard to imagine it working. He is so string willed! I mean at night they eventually have to fall asleep but no so much during the day. I'd love to hear from someone who has figured it out and it took a little more than some patting on the bottom and light whimpering! :/
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