My 16 month-old son started daycare a month ago. He sleeps really well when he naps at daycare during the week, but we can't get him to nap in his crib anymore during the weekend. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get him to nap at home when he's not at daycare? Thanks!
Hi A., my question to you is does your son nap in a crib in daycare, I run a home daycare as well and children that age nap on the carpet with their blanket, or palet on the carpet. If he is not naping in a crib in daycare, that may be why he is not napping in a crib at home, by 16 months my 3 kids were already out of the crib. J. L.
My son is in daycare as well. I try to keep the same schedule as he has all week. Sometimes he refuses to take a nap and I let him sit in his crib and relax for at least 30 minutes even if he cries. Small people need to unwind and relax. I play music and keep his room "dark". He almost always falls asleep within 20 minutes of being put down. Kids must know that you mean business and that what you say goes. My son is VERY head strong and I find that he pushes the ticket almost always. As soon as he realizes that he is not going to win he gives in and relaxes! Good luck!
Ask what techniques the daycare provider is using. Does she rub his back? Also, try having a blanket that he naps with at home and at daycare...maybe the smell will help. Maybe he isn't getting as much stimulation as he is at home to make him tired enough. (All the other kids at daycare provide a lot of stimulation)
My friend and I had the same issue! Talk to your daycare provider and ask what the routine is there for nap, just as Bergen suggested.
We ended up both getting the sleeping cots for our kids and it worked really well until my son got older and wanted to sleep in a bed.
Also, try using a transition object...blankets or stuffed animals are great. It can be used only for sleep times and can be used as a cue that it is time for bed.
Good Luck!
It might be to quiet. Try a sound machine with white noise, or rain, birds and crickets. Good Luck.
I have the same problem even now and my son is 2. I take him for a stroller ride and that's the only way he goes down. Then I just leave him in the stroller for his nap in a safe place. if i try to take him out he wakes up. Sometimes we take him for a car ride around his nap time and run our errands...I know it seems outrageous but it works and he sleeps.
Friends of mine drive their child around in the car, until he goes to sleep.
A routine might help: darken the room, take off clothes, pick nap-buddy (stuffed animal), read a book or sing a song together when child is in bed, kiss and say "sleep well". - This is just a suggestion, but routines help our children feel comfortable, gain trust in you, the parents, and know what is coming.
A walk with him in the stroller could also help him go to sleep.
It does sound like your child does not want to miss out on playtime with his parents, since he is napping at daycare, but not at home. I hope you find something that works for all of you! Best of luck!
