Accommodating naps

LisaLisa1980 · September 2013

DS has 2 morning naps then a big 3 hour nap in the afternoon. During the week is fine because I make sure he gets in those naps, but weekends are a whole different ball game with my H home.

We like to go out for a few hours but this interferes with the afternoon nap. DS can stay awake 2 hrs before getting fussy, and if he's tired he'll just fall asleep in the car seat.

Should we start staying home now during his afternoon nap?? Or do we do what we want? I'm getting to the point where I need to find that balance for DS's sake.

LisaLisa1980 · September 2013

Nicb13 said:
Honestly, no one can answer that but you. It's your decision and YOU have to find the happy medium.

Just curious what everyone else does

teach1008 · September 2013

Around 6 months my DS went down to 2 naps, so we were able to get out mid-day for a few hours. I think you should just wait it out, or have him take one of the naps in the car, on the go.

pinottoparenthood · September 2013

Firstly, I am jealous!!! DS is a crappy napper haha. I would follow baby's cues. If he is happy and can nap fine on the go, it's probably okay. Is he happy in the evening after being out, or is he breaking down in the evening? If baby is happy and healthy, that's all that matters. Some families establish a more rigid schedule while some just go with the flow, and it's all about what works for you.

MisN · September 2013

Agree that it is a personal decision. Personally, I protect that afternoon nap at all costs. Especially as that get older that afternoon nap becomes more entrenched. I work our schedule around the afternoon nap which is at home in their beds. Morning nap can be on the go (car seat or stroller).

MagickalNarwhal · September 2013

With my older kid we got very protective of naps but he was a cat napper till around 11 months (30-45 min naps only), and he could usually nap on in the car or a carrier.

My LO now also takes a long afternoon nap most days so I do try to stay home for that, since it seems to help w night sleep, and it's honestly nice to have some 1:1 time w my son.

Some kids are fine missing or moving naps. But a lot of times it can really mess up sleep later in the day/night and can be a big upset. I guess it depends on what kind of kid you have.

natalie115 · September 2013

If we need to be out during one of DS' nap times I will wear him in his k'tan. Works like a charm. Is wearing him an option for you? If not I'd probably see if napping in the car seat works for him. I would like DS to be used to sleeping wherever we may be, but ultimately it's up to the kid where he needs to nap.

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