No, Mommy, I will NOT take a nap
My 8-month-old son is now discovering that the world around him is far more interesting than napping. Moreover, he’s learning more physical skills, such as pulling up to a standing position. I’ve laid him down in his crib, only to see him sit up again and then grab onto the crib bar to pull himself up. The other day he was laughing his head off because he managed to grab the crib mobile and shake the toys on it. He is just not going to sleep. It’s all over.
I’m trying to snatch writing time when I can (e.g. naps), but getting him on a schedule is tougher than I’d thought. I’m hoping that eventually he’ll settle in. Wouldn’t it be nice if baby formula came equipped with tryptophan, you know that lovely effect after Thanksgiving turkey?
The other new baby trick is screaming. Yes, he’s learned that he can maximize volume. And the best place to practice is church. How do they KNOW the most inappropriate place? 
Ah well, it’s a phase. At least, this is what I’m telling myself…
Any tricks that helped your kids take naps on a more regular basis?
Michelle posted in Writing @ 10:18 am | Viewed 1276 times
beth Says:
Oh I feel your pain. We have the nap avoidance here, too. Honestly, what I’ve done (and it’s semi-working) is wait longer to put him down until he’s just at the edge of overtired then he still gives a token screech but I kiss him on the head, tell him I love him, then shut the door. He usually won’t screech more than 3 or 4 minutes before he’s out.
I do think a letter to the makers of formula about adding tryptophan is a good idea though!
Missie Says:
Tryptophan, morphine, Jack Daniels….whatever works.
Just kidding.
I feel your pain. We are okay on the nap front, but the screaming? Ohmyword, the screaming! Our ears are never going to be the same.
mary beth Says:
ohmygosh, Michelle! I played a lullaby tape and patted dd’s back, but at this age, it only took about five minutes. A few minutes later, naps stopped, but she liked to lay in the bed and listen to lullabies, so she’d do “nap time” without sleeping.
Suzanne Says:
Ahhh, the days…. This too shall pass! Really!!! Take a few days off so you can relax and work with him on his napping. He’ll nap again.
Michelle Styles Says:
1. Nap after feeding lunch so he has a full stomach. If he seems hungry/tired, lunch can br brought forward a few hours.
2. Use a lullaby tape.
3.Think of it as a rest rather than a nap. Put some board books within reach.
4. Make sure the other children have to be on their beds for a rest at the same time. They do not have to sleep but must have quiet time 9ie reading). It seperates them and improves moods no end. Siestas if you will.