Napping only in the arms

Dd is 2 months old and only naps in my arms. what's the some tips to get her to nap in her pack in play. If i put her down she stays for 5 mins then starts screaming.

Napping only in the arms

i'm far from an expert since DS has issues too (at 3 months) with napping but some things that helped a bit are:

-- make sure you put her down when she's actually tired, but not overly tired
-- try setting up a naptime routine (should be pretty quick - maybe put on a sleep sack, and hold her and rock her while singing twinkle-twinkle or some other short song)
-- if she falls asleep for 5 mins and then wakes up, don't pick her up if she's just "complaining" (not full out crying). Try putting your hand on her chest so she feels your presence, or giving her a pacifier, or some other calming technique. If she cries too much, pick her up, sing another quick song and put her back down after a minute.

good luck!

Napping only in the arms

I'm with you. My 4 month old is going through the same thing right now. We're trying to get her used to the pack and play and crib (she sleeps in the rock and play and swing now).

Napping only in the arms

Maybe try letting her nap in the Rnp?

Napping only in the arms

Thanks for tips. I tried having her sleep in her swing, bouncy seat, and playpen she screams as soon as I put her down.

Napping only in the arms

if she cries as soon as you put her down every single time, your only option may be to let her CIO a bit

DS cries only if he notices that you put him down ... if i rock him in my arms and he gets sleepy, and then i keep rocking him and put him in the pack n play, he usually doesn't notice and falls asleep in there (but he has to be mostly asleep in my arms as i do this)

Re: Napping only in the arms

My DS was like that at that age.. he ended up having reflux so it was painful for him to lay flat. Have you tried wearing her in a Bjorn or something? That might give both of you some peace. It's a tough stage to get passed, but it will get better! I wouldn't let a baby of that age CIO... she obviously needs something or is uncomfy. Bring up reflux to your ped and see if that could be the culprit!

Re: Napping only in the arms

DD is 5 months now and is finally napping in her crib. She used to also only nap when held. Prior to now i felt she needed the comforting so i would just keep trying. If she cried then id hold her. I think they eventually grow out of it.

Re: Napping only in the arms

What we did, is put ds in the swing awake but sleepy. It was the only thing that worked.

Re: Napping only in the arms

Your baby is 2 months old and still adjusting to life outside of your warm, cozy, dark womb. Let baby nap in arms, this too shall pass! I would recommend a baby carrier- Maya sling, boba wrap or ergo and wearing baby for now.

ETA: My DS was the SAME way and I tried EVERYTHING! I found that his best naps at that age were in arms and around 4 months I started to have him nap in his stroller on an incline. He's 13 months now and still naps in his stroller- up to 3 hours if he's really tired. He sleeps in his crib but naps for some reason he needs to be in his stroller.

Message edited 1/24/2013 9:58:01 PM.

Re: Napping only in the arms