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Re: Nap Routines???

Posted by sleepless mommy on October 06, 2001 at 18:10:16:

In Reply to: Nap Routines??? posted by Sydni's Mommy on October 06, 2001 at 13:02:32:

I did the same thing. I was always out shopping,and around town, and my daughter would end up crashing in her carseat, stroller etc. out of exhaustion. This lead to numerous problems sleeping. So, I decided that I wasn't going to do that anymore. Now I plan my shopping, etc. around her nap schedule.

You didn't state in this post how old your daughter is. But I will sum up what I have learned from books and experience: Before age 4 months they don't usually have a reliable naptime routine. Age 3 to 4 months they can only stay awake about 1 hour, then they have to nap. At around 4 months, their naps become more organized and eventually form 2 or 3 per day. The morning nap is usually around 8:30 to 10:00 am. My daughter faithfully gets tired at the 9:00 am mark. The afternoon naps are usually around 12pm to 2pm and 4 to 5 pm. Depending on how long the first afternoon nap is they may not need a third. My daughter tends to only nap about 45 to 60 minutes at the first afternoon nap, so she gets tired at around 4 pm, and naps after a snack. It takes time to get into a "routine", and the "routine" should follow her natural circadian rhythm (ie. best to nap her when she is tired. It will become consistent with time. Initially it may seem very sporadic. Keeping a diary helps to notice a pattern.).

My nap routine has changed since her naps are more organized and she is no longer overtired. Initially she needed soothing music (classical or relaxation CD's are great) and rocking to relax. But now all we do is lay down together in a darkened room with a soother. We have always just had quiet playtime about 15 minutes prior to going to bed, such as reading, singing a song, hand games (eg. itsy bitsy spider). Aromatherapy helps. Camomile or lavendar scents help may help her relax.

I think it is best to keep daytime and nighttime sleep routines separate and different. Just so that they don't confuse night and day. I only bath once a day, then give her a massage before nighttime sleep.

Hope this helps. Good luck, and happy napping!

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Archived Infant Sleep Forum4 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Infant Forum Homepage.
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