My 5 month old fights sleep when I try to put him down for a nap. Any ideas on how to help him fall asleep?

Question

He always took good naps, and seemed well rested. About a month ago, he began taking fewer and shorter naps during the day, and waking up again in the middle of the night. I am trying to put him on a schedule, but when I put him down he fights me. I've tried letting him crying himself to sleep, but after 25 minutes, he's still no where near sleepy. Any suggestions on how to get him to fall asleep easier? I am afraid he is not well rested, and it's causing him to be irritable during the day.

He always took good naps, and seemed well rested. About a month ago, he began taking fewer and shorter naps during the day, and waking up again in the middle of the night. I am trying to put him on a schedule, but when I put him down he fights me. I've tried letting him crying himself to sleep, but after 25 minutes, he's still no where near sleepy. Any suggestions on how to get him to fall asleep easier? I will nurse him to give him a full belly, and yet as soon as he's finished, he's got his second, third, and fourth wind! Sometimes I'm afraid I am over-feeding him, but he keeps latching on. I am afraid he is not well rested, and it's causing him to be irritable during the day.

He never really took to the "swaddleing", we live in Hawaii, and his skin is really sensitive, so he over heats easily. I try to keep him and the house cool and comforable.

Answer 1

i have 2 kids and I dont force anything on them unless its very necessary like taking their vits or meds when they're sick, otherwise I let them do their thing as long as it won't hurt them.kids will sleep when they're sleepy.if they want to play let them play.they will sleep on their own when they get tired

Answer 2

ok first, The letting him cry method should always be avoided it is a part of past caveman parenting.

Here are some ideas that have worked for my son:

1. A drive around the block with classical music playing.

2. Singing songs while holding him.

3. Feeding right before bed.

4. Exercise of any kind right before bed.

One of the best ways to keep your child asleep is to buy an air purifier. The homes hepa at Walmart is about 30 bucks. The white noise from the motor will do the trick plus it purifies the air.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

maybe he stays awake because hes hungry. The best way that a baby goes to sleep is in a rocking chair. But when your baby is up try to keep him as much entertained and let him eat very well. because then he wont have no trouble falling asleep. it will probably take him at least 5 to 10 minutes for him to go to sleep.

Answer 4

not true... usually when babies hit a growing spurt they either sleep more, or sleep less... it is not uncommon for his sleep schedule to change... let him be... he is too young to schedule... they sleep when they are tired and eat when they are hungry... sorry if that makes you exhausted, but thats the way babies are.... my daughter slept through the night from about a year old.. my son will be 18 yrs old next month and he has NEVER slept through the night....
enjoy your baby while he is awake, and sleep when he sleeps if at all possible so that you dont wear your self out....
as he gets to where he can go 6-8 hrs without eating, he will also sleep longer... in 4 more months he will remain awake most of the day, and likely sleep 6-8 hours at night...

Answer 5

it has been my experience that if you give him a warm bottle of milk,wrap him real snug in a receiving blanket and rock him or walk him holding him snug for about 5-10 minutes he will go right to sleep.it will remind him of when you where pregnant with him,that is what he was familiar with.then lay him down in his crib on his back or side with a receiving blanket rolled up and tucked around his back.he may cry at first but just reassure that he is safe and leave the room-do not come back and he will drift off to sleep.babies learn quickly how to get attention,which they do need.also remember that crying is very healthy for babies,that is their main form of communicating sense they cannot talk yet and crying helps the little one to get much needed exercise by moving their legs,arms,lungs etc.

Answer 6

the best time for a nap is just after a meal. at that age it is often a problem for new parents to adjust the feeding time so as to help the child fall asleep. the other thing, he, or she, may need to stay awake and active for a longer period of time before showing signs of fatigue. as they get older the need for sleep lessens, but is compensated for by the added activity. as for sleeping through the night, try a low music level to help relax the young one as well as keeping him awake later at night before putting him to bed. but not so late as to make him feel forced to stay awke. his natural body rest needs will eventually become second nature and he will get used to sleeping through the night.

Answer 7

For small children, you can put a drop or two of lavender oil on the sheets. You must check with a chemist first to see if it's safe for babies.

Anyway, the scent will relax your baby and hopefully drift off to sleep!

Good Luck!

Answer 8

My advice is to easily wait and notice. much less puzzling pronounced then completed, yet my daughter replaced into like this for the 1st 12 months and its only one thing he needs to advance out of. try some gentle sleepy song,getting it as darkish as you may, a crib factor cellular or night easy that tasks pictures is a chilled interest grabber, sing, softly examine a narrative, convenience with the aid of crib factor if he's in simple terms too not hardship-free to hold (pat his butt, rub hi back, tickle his neck, regardless of works. go away the room in case you like a breather. chiefly, you need to attend and notice.

Answer 9

Niquil

Answer 10

The swinging action when you carry the baby around gives the baby comfort. try getting a bed that swings.