Leaving LO in crib

kleigh926 · October 2014

DD's naps have been getting shorter and shorter. She used to pretty consistently give me at least 2 hours. The past couple weeks they have been closer to 1.5 hours or less and today she only slept for an hour. However, when she wakes up she rarely cries to get out. I can hear that she's awake in the monitor, but she's usually pretty quiet with some random noises here and there.

My "policy" has been that she needs to stay in her crib for at least 2 hours in the afternoon. If she wakes up early, then she just gets quiet time. On days like today though, I wonder if I should get her earlier since that means she's in there for an hour just doing nothing. If anyone else's LO just hangs out happily in their crib, how do you handle it? Go in as soon as they're awake? Or let them go for awhile? Do you think it's unreasonable for me to leave her there for 2 hours even if she's not sleeping the whole time? I should add, I mostly do this for our sanity. She's very active and seems to get bored quickly, even though I try to interact with her, go on outings, and introduce new activities when I can. I sort of think we need those 2 hours on our own, but then I wonder if it's mean to let her in her room by herself.

ericalee27 · October 2014

So neither of my boys would ever play in their crib happily (I'm jealous!) -- but if I did, I would totally leave them be in there as long as they were happy. Does she have toys or books to play with during that time? Especially with your new DS in the picture, I say take the breaks when you can get them!

djm31012 · October 2014

DS happily hangs in his crib for a half hour or so, but then he gets antsy. I like the idea of leaving her in there for 2 hours, and giving her time to wake up slowly, but if she is awake after an hour...an extra hour in there is probably too long. Its not hurting her (as long as shes not trying to climb out!) so if you feel like its right, then do it. If shes crying and whiny and really wanting to get though, I wouldnt force her to stay in there awake and alone for an hour.

kleigh926 · October 2014

djm31012 said:
DS happily hangs in his crib for a half hour or so, but then he gets antsy. I like the idea of leaving her in there for 2 hours, and giving her time to wake up slowly, but if she is awake after an hour...an extra hour in there is probably too long. Its not hurting her (as long as shes not trying to climb out!) so if you feel like its right, then do it. If shes crying and whiny and really wanting to get though, I wouldnt force her to stay in there awake and alone for an hour.

Oh I wouldn't leave her there if she was crying. I should've specified, if she starts to whine then I do get her out. I only let her go if she's happy.

Puck1182 · October 2014

I'd leave her if she's happy just hanging out and having quite time. DD usually play for 20-30 minutes after she wakes up from a nap. She has a lovey and two other small stuffed animals, plus a soft book in there, and she seems to enjoy her wake up time usually, so I just let her go til she's ready for someone to go get her. My mom usually does the same thing on the days she has her as well.

draeray · October 2014

So DS is in a toddler bed which means he can get out anytime he wants technically. If he is awake early, I leave him in there until I am ready to get him. I don't mean like 4 hours or anything but like what you are describing. There are a few times in the morning he has gotten up at 6:00am or even earlier and I don't get him out of his room for the morning until at least 7:00am after I have showered and dressed for work. He stays happily in his bed; he doesn't even get out or complain.

I do not feel bad about leaving him if he isn't crying or complaining AND staying in his bed the whole time.

Tulips114 · October 2014

I have done the same with both of mine. I think the quiet time alone in their crib is good for them. I wish my DD1 would still do it, but she pops out of bed the second her eyes open now. DD2 will stay happily in her crib for a while, and I will happily leave her there.

SummerLove21 · October 2014

Back when I was taking infant classes, the teacher told us that leaving them in their crib happy was great for them (if the kid allowed it), as they are making brain connections that they don't make otherwise. Since then, I've never had qualms leaving DS in his room awake and happy. He's stayed in there for up to two hours before...mostly because Iost track of time.

I say enjoy the time to yourself and let her do the same. No harm, no foul. :-)

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