5.15.2008

Naps!

Olivia does not sleep well during the day. Some days are great and others are horrible. Today falls into the horrible category. So far she has had two twenty minute naps and that's about all. Yesterday she had one good nap that lasted almost 3 hours, plus her additional cat naps here and there. She is much happier when she sleeps more during the day, but I'm not sure what I'm doing differently today compared to yesterday.

My other worry now is if I should be trying to get Olivia on a schedule during the day. So far I've been pretty much on demand... she's eating her hands and fussing I know she's hungry, she's crying and rubbing her eyes I know she's tired, and I change her diaper with just about every feeding. No rhyme or reason to this schedule whatsoever. Any input? When was your baby on a schedule? There's so much research each and every way, I have no clue. I know each baby is different, and I'm trying to trust my mommy instincts. But I worry. That's what I do.

4 comments:

Christine said...

I've had my babies on schedules at different times with each one. Because my situation is a little different - I put them on the routine right away and it takes only a few days to get it straight. I believe that by the time the baby is 4 months old I let them cry themselves to sleep. As hard as it is to allow them to do that, I pat their back after 5 minutes and then again every 5 min. until they fall asleep. This is getting long - so email me and I can get back to you with TONS of answers.

lrbodine said...

I highly recommend the book "healthy sleep habits, happy child". I loved it because it discussed many different sleep methods and encouraged you to go with what works best for you! It's really trial and error and what you feel is right. I think you have to train babies though. I have Ellie on a pretty strict sleep/nap schedule even now (except when we are on vacation) and I think it makes for a happier child and mom!

LG said...

You better have this stuff down to a science when it comes time for Baby William or Grace (that's right, Will & Grace, get it out of your system now) Savio to be born because I'll need advice!

Christina MC said...

Besides "Healthy Sleep Habits" I also liked "On Becoming Babywise" The combination of the 2 books worked great for us and E was on a schedule within a week for sure. The first few days were the roughest but well worth it. Good Luck