Troubles with naps?

Question

So my 11 month old always has sleep problems. Last week he was waking up too early. Now he won't take good naps. I have been bad that I used to rock him to sleep for naps (it worked and was the best for both) but then he went to sleep on his own at night. Now when I take him up for his nap and start the routine (with his bedtime book) he tries to get out of my arms and screams and cries. It is really hard to deal with. So I decided that I will let him cry it out at naps now (I go in every 20 min) - it is about time. I started with his afternoon nap yesterday and it took 50 min and then only took a 30 min nap. Now he has been crying that long today and still hasn't gone to sleep. This is so difficult but I really need him sleeping better. It is getting frustrating.

More info....I do still breastfeed, he has a nap schedule and a go to sleep schedule and consistent wake up time. Why is he crying for so long....at night he usually goes to sleep within 20 min.

Answer 1

This is exactly what my son and I went through. Nigh time was no problem, he could put himself to sleep at 7 months and sleep all night. However, naps have always been an issue and I rocked him to sleep for naps. The hardest time was right around 10-14 months. That whole time he really fought me. What I started doing was first, darken his room with tin foil(weird but effective). Then I wrap a blanket around him(kinda like swaddle but it's just to keep his arms down) and then I rock him. The issue is keeping him as still as possible b/c he just doesn't want to take a nap so he'll keep moving so as to not fall asleep. My son even has gone so far as to stare at his moving hands to keep himself awake! I also had to change my attitude and approach....b/c I know he was feeding off my tension. When I was rocking I said what a good boy he was, talked about the day, what we're going to do when he wakes...all very soothing and quiet. I suggest trying the whole blanket/swaddle thing for a few days and see if that helps. I would also keep rocking for now if that's what it takes. I hate to admit it, but I rocked him for naps up until recently(he's 22months). Now I just hold him(wrapped up), talk to him and lay him down and he zonks out. I hope this helps!

Answer 2

My 1 year old grandson has never gone down by himself either at night or for naps. He just has to be in your arms. We live with it. Hopefully by the time he is too big to carry he will have the confidence to go sleep by his big self. We can only hope! I understand the 30 min nap too. What is it with these kids these days? I'm sure it wasn't like this 20 years ago when my daughter was a baby.