need advice on naps

I'm having a tough time getting my DD to go down for naps during the day. She gets so overtired and cranky that getting her to sleep at night then becomes an ordeal.

When you put your DC down for a nap during the day are they still awake, but drowsy? I've tried both ways...waiting until she falls asleep in my arms then putting her down. And putting her down while still awake, but drowsy. But ways have failed for me...she ALWAYS wakes up after a very short period of time. j

help!

Re: need advice on naps

My advice would be to put her down when she is cranky. If she cries...(I hate to say it) but ignore her. Leave her for 5 minutes, 10 minutes etc...following the CIO guidelines. After a few days of crying it will get shorter and you should be able to get her to nap. Be consistant and hold fast, do not pick her up, let her cry! This worked for us...and I had 10 months of my baby not napping. 10 months without a nap that wasn't on me!

Re: need advice on naps

I would try belly sleeping. I know everyone thinks I'm nuts, but once I discovered my son was a belly sleeper, there were no more 20 minute naps - they went to 2-3 hours. Keep in mind that the American SIDS Institute states that it increases the risk of SIDS. There is definitely a rebreathing issue if you don't have a firm mattress - sheets must be tight.

Getting him to sleep was much easier at night. The first time I noticed it was when he fell asleep during tummy time & slept for 4 hours straight.

For my daughter, I put her on her belly from day 1 & never had any issues.

Definitely a flat, firm mattress - not blankets or stuffed animals in the crib. Extremely controversial advice. Not everyone is comfortable doing it.

Message edited 12/27/2006 8:24:07 AM.

Re: need advice on naps

Thanks...my DD will be 7 weeks this weekend.

It's hard to let her CIO, but we did for the first time (only 5 min), but low and behold, she fell asleep!

I've also tried putting her down on her tummy. Sometimes she seems to like it...other times not so much. I guess it's all trial and error!