AboutHolly Cihla Expertise I am a mother of two girls, ages 2 years and 8 years. I have worked with children of varying abilities and ages for over sixteen years and am currently teaching junior high special education. I can answer questions on infant feedings, sleeping habits, play, developmental milestones and behavior and issues with school age children that include school, learning, behavior and home issues. I can also help you with wheat and gluten allergy diets as my youngest has a wheat allergy.
I CANNOT answer medical diagnosis questions, or things of that nature. If it is a medical issue, or you are just not sure, I always suggest checking in with a pediatrician.
Experience Experience in the area: I am a mother of a 2 year old daughter and an 8 year old daughter. I have worked with children of all ages for the last sixteen years in various forms. I have worked in the day care setting, as a nanny, at summer camps, and as a liason for families with children that have neuromuscular disease. I am currently a special education teacher that specializes in learning disabilities and minor behavior disorders. Organizations: I am a member of Kappa Delta Pi. I volunteer with the Children's Miracle Network and Children's Hospital. Education/Credentials: I have a bachelor's degree in special education and have been trained in the PBIS Behavior Method (Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies).
Expert: Holly Cihla Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: nap time
Question Hello,
My son is 8 weeks old and has been sleeping through the night for probably 4 weeks (8 - 9 hours). This, I know, is a good thing. However, I can't seem to get him to nap during the day... He was able to fall asleep and nap for about 1 - 2 hours, usually twice a day on most days. However, he's not sleeping at all lately (except for maybe one or two 30 minute cat naps). I don't see any change in routine that may induce this difference...but I think the lack of sleep is making him not want to go to sleep right away the last two nights.
I do know that for naps, he's never been able to fall asleep on his back. So, he's usually on his stomach and within site when he would nap. But, lately, that's not working. I have even swaddled him (this is how he goes to sleep at night) but he just cries.
Do you have any suggestions? Could you suggest an appropriate amount of time I should let him cry before tending to him?
Answer Joanne-
thank you for the question. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. It's been a hectic weekend! Sleep habits in babies change once or twice and he might be changing his habits. They usually settle into a good rhythm soon. My first suggestion is something I did with both my girls. I made sure their rooms were nice and dim for nap time, so that they associate the dark with sleep. I also put in some white noise for them. My youngest uses an air purifier (stems from her allergies) and my oldest uses a table fan. This drowns out any excess background noise. You could also try a crib mobile or musical toy that clamps onto the side of the crib for him to watch. My oldest would go to sleep with her cribside musical toy. We would put her to bed and turn it on and walk out and she would eventually go to sleep. My oldest, no such luck. We struggled with her napping routine for a long time. Even now, at 2, she's quirky.
You might try a side sleeper. I know you can get them at Burlington Coat Factory, Target, possibly Wal-Mart, or online. This positions them on their sides, but keeps them from rolling. They even make ones with womb sounds in them or music. I used this with my oldest and youngest and they seemed to like it.
You could also try keeping him up a bit by playing, singing, reading, walking and doing some baby yoga/massage/exercise. I would continue slugging it out with a daily nap routine and fill his waking hours with stuff to do after feeding. This will give him a better chance at napping. You may be right, he might be too tired to sleep, it happens.
I don't really have an opinion on back sleeping. Some babies are just meant to be tummy sleepers. My oldest was. My youngest is a side sleeper or spread eagle, so I never really worried.
I would suggest trying the Ferber Method with him. You start out at waiting about 3 to 5 minutes letting him fuss before going in and soothing him without picking him up. Soothing could be back or tummy rubbing, turning on a mobile, repositioning, just not picking him up. You then gradually increase the amount of time between fussing and soothing until he learns to self-comfort and go out on his own. You can find this online if you google it. It is hard to listen to them cry and fuss, so I suggest being elsewhere for those 3 to 5 minutes. :)
I hope that I was helpful. If not, or if you've further questions, please feel free to write back or contact another volunteer on this site. I wish you all sweet dreams!
