My son is almost 6 months old. He has been a great napper and now all of a sudden he won't nap during the day. It is such a project to get him to sleep. It sometimes takes hours...Why is this happening?? He did have an ear infection but we went friday for a check up. They told me the infection was gone but he still had fluid in his ears. Could this be doing it? He is acting fine other then no napping..HELP!!!
2007-02-26 02:32:15 · 6 answers · asked by mommymatthews 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
There are natural sleep windows throughout the day were it would be easier for your little one to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try and get him up around 7am. First nap should be around 9am. Second nap should be three hours after he wakes up from his first nap. His first nap should last an hour or so but no longer than 1hr 1/2 if you would like hime to have a great sleep in the afternoon. Optimal sleep times during the day are between 8am and 10 am and between 12pm and 3pm. Bed time for your little guy should be between 7 and 8pm. Keeping your little one up later will not make him sleep in longer in the morning.
Is your little one getting more mobile? Certain mildstones affect their sleep habits too!
I wish you luck. I know what you are going through I have a 9month old that has just figured out she can stand up in her crib! Not easy putting her down for her naps either!
2007-02-26 02:54:59 · answer #1 · answered by Allie D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll probably find that his sleeping patterns will change a few times in the next few months(my son's did). At 6 months, there is so much to do and discover that the doesn't want to miss a thing. The ear infection could have a bit to do with it, but I would say it is more of a phase. Keep putting him down and keep struggling with him for a few more days and if that still doesn't work, try something else. My son has always been a terrible napper and you wouldn't believe some of the things I've had to do and re-do to get him to nap! What has really helped is making his room very dark...I put up tin foil in the window. Very ugly looking but effective. Also, put him down at the very first sign of tired...don't wait in order to keep him "on schedule." Good luck!
2007-02-26 11:06:02 · answer #2 · answered by emrobs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Childrens' sleeping habits change with age. I would try maybe getting him up an hour earlier in the morning or putting him to bed a little later. Take him outside for some play in the sunshine. Being outside tends to make kids sleep better later. I'm not sure why, but it does. I would not insist on the nap though. At that age babies will automatically do what is healthy for their bodies.If he doesn't fall asleep after about 30 minutes, just let him up. It would be different story if he was 2 years old and being stubborn.
2007-02-26 10:50:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have read that your child can be the best sleeper/napper until one day.....anything can change that. Ear infection, teething, bad dream...anything. My daughter used to nap in the morning, one in the afternoon and one just before dinner. Now she's cut out her late afternoon nap so by the time dinner comes she's exhausted. I have tried to nurse her so she can fall asleep but it doesn't work. Your son will nap when he wants to nap. If not you need to come up with a newer/improved routine.
2007-03-02 01:12:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be that his needs are changing try not putting him down until in the afternoon around 2 or so. Put him in bed and if he doesnt go to sleep let him lay there for a while. It probably has nothing to do with the ear infection. I would not try for hours to put him down for a nap ( i understand you need him to nap) but would try to get him to nap some where else -does he fall asleep in the car in his seat? Try the car seat-put him in and put in front of a little einsteins or other tv show and see if he will fall asleep. That worked for one of my kids. I just set the car seat in the crib and let them sleep. Or try to see if he will sleep on the floor (on a blanket) some do that.
2007-02-26 10:45:36 · answer #5 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he sees theres to much to do. hes not wanting to take a nap cause he dont want to miss anything. if he wont sleep just put him in his crib and give him a few toys to play with. as long as hes sleeping through the night and hes not sick just let him play. maybe buy a swing or a johnny jumper and wear him out..lol good luck.
2007-02-26 10:39:57 · answer #6 · answered by kitttkat2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋