Infant Napping 101?

[AfterSchoolMom]

Hi All,

I just started taking full timers again (I previously cared for only SA's). I'm just wondering, for all of you who take on babies - what steps do you take to get them on a napping routine at your house?

[Live and Learn]

How old is the baby?

[AfterSchoolMom]

Originally Posted by Live and Learn

How old is the baby?

3 months and 11 months.

[lil angels]

I ask the parents to please get them up at the same time everyday then I can fight with them to sleep and get on my routine.

[AnythingsPossible]

I personally don't have a nap routine for infants. They sleep when they need to sleep around here. My older infants usually nap around 930 then again at 1230. Under 6 months there is no routine, other then their individual one.

[AfterSchoolMom]

Originally Posted by AnythingsPossible

I personally don't have a nap routine for infants. They sleep when they need to sleep around here. My older infants usually nap around 930 then again at 1230. Under 6 months there is no routine, other then their individual one.

Yes, but my question is HOW do they sleep? Do you have a routine of, say, a darkened room, white noise, out in the open, in a swing, in a crib, etc? If they're used to being fed or rocked to sleep at home, do you do that, or do you just lay them down? Do you let them CIO? It's not the timing that I'm concerned with at this point, but the method.

[daysofelijah]

Same for me pretty much. Whenever they want up to 6 months. After 6 months, nap 7-9 and 12:30/1-3/3:30. Over 6 months, they stay in the pack and play the whole nap time. I will go back in to give paci and shush/calm them, but don't pick them up.

eta: separate darkened room until 16ish months, but no white noise, they need to learn to sleep through the playing in the next room

[AfterSchoolMom]

So it seems like most everyone lays them down in a PnP while awake, even from day 1. Anyone have problems with them crying for long periods or not settling down? If so, how long does it take them to "learn" to sleep in the PnP?

[Live and Learn]

Absolutely start day 1....Baby boot camp.
The first couple of weeks are hard. Stick to the program...don't cave!
After 2 weeks or so they usually get with the program. The worst napper I ever had took 5 weeks to get in line . He is the best napper in the whole wide world now....here .....won't nap at home. If the 11 month old is there 5 days a week it is easier. If he is there only a couple of days a week it will be a lot harder. The morning napper I have now sleeps for about an hour screams bloody murder for 20 minutes and then sleeps for another 40 minutes.
Each kiddo is different but my schedule doesn't change.
Good luck.

[AfterSchoolMom]

Nannyde, where are you? I'd love to see your thoughts on this!

[SandeeAR]

Originally Posted by Live and Learn

Absolutely start day 1....Baby boot camp.
The first couple of weeks are hard. Stick to the program...don't cave!
After 2 weeks or so they usually get with the program. The worst napper I ever had took 5 weeks to get in line . He is the best napper in the whole wide world now....here .....won't nap at home. If the 11 month old is there 5 days a week it is easier. If he is there only a couple of days a week it will be a lot harder. The morning napper I have now sleeps for about an hour screams bloody murder for 20 minutes and then sleeps for another 40 minutes.
Each kiddo is different but my schedule doesn't change.
Good luck.

I have one of those screamers!!!! She sleeps good at the am nap, in the afternoon,(1-3), she will sleep 20 min, scream for 10, sleep for 20, scream for 10 and then go to sleep for good, till 3pm. She sleeps in a room by herself of course!

[Danielle]

Honestly, this thread makes me sad. I never ever make a child cry it out. It's cruel. I rock, wear, sing to, etc. Whatever they need. I also do this where all the other kids are. The baby then sleeps in the room with us. They get use to the noise quickly and is easier on all of us. I only have 1 baby in my care at a time so they can be cared for like they need to. For those of you concerned about SIDS, read this: http://www.drmomma.org/2010/02/sleep...ess-lower.html