Dear Kay,
My little guy is now 9 weeks old. He has always been a good sleeper at night, but REALLY struggles with naps. Once he's asleep, he usually sleeps well. However, it is
always a little bit of a "fight" to get him to go down. I always pay
close attn to his drowsy signals. He currently starts yawning and
looking sleeps after 75 min of awake time. I immediately turn off all
music, cradle him in my arms, and rock him. If his eyes are still
darting about, I read him a short book in a soothing voice...otherwise
we just rock in the chair. As soon as his eyes start to fall, he will immediately begin fussing, as if he's trying to keep himself awake! I
then sing softly, or tap his back while saying shhhhhhh.
We go back and
forth....him looking VERY drowsy, to him fussing, squirming, etc. Once
he has been calm for a few minutes, and his eyes are staying closed, I
gently lay him in his crib. He will then usually be OK for a few
minutes, before he begins to cry. He will then cry for several minutes
before falling asleep.I have tried waiting until he is FAST
asleep before putting him in his crib, but then the above mentioned
rhythm of him "fussing himself awake" and then looking almost asleep,
would last for over an hour! He definitely sleeps longer/better now
that I put him in his crib drowsy but awake....but I just hate it that
he still has to cry for awhile! Is there anything that I can do????
Thanks!
Kacey
Dear Kacey:
Kudos to you as you are
already doing alot right. Now I have two more suggestions for you which
may put him out sooner. MASSAGES! Remember what makes you sleepy. If he
isn't use to them start with his feet and gradually work your way up
and then buy a CD. There is a great CD or rather there are many of
these great CD which have heartbeat music. This is soft music with
heartbeat sounds.
My duaghter played them in my granddaughter's
room and when I would tuck her in at night and sit with her I was out as
quick as she was. Now she is 6 and tries to talk me out of them as she
knows she will be out in less than a minute.
I highly recommend putting them wherever you lay him down.
M Kay Keller
