Transitioning to Pack and Play for Naps

My daughter had the same problem when we transitioned her from her bassinette to her crib. She flat out refused to sleep in it and would cry until she started gagging herself. We put the bassinette in the crib for her to sleep, and after a week put her straight in the crib but up against the wall so she felt more secure. We also used one of those sleep positioners with the high, moveable "arms" to keep her snug.

Of course, it depends on how old your son is? My baby was 6 months, and it was a whole different story getting her to sleep in another place at 17 months. Good Luck!

Maybe try a regular portacrib that stands up off of the ground where your baby can see thru the bars and does not feel so low. You can find them new on line or used on craigslist.

I found that most transitions like that, "just do it" works best. Your son might be really unhappy for a day or 2, but he will adapt. Make sure he has something familiar so he is comfortable. Maybe let him "play" in there while awake, even if it means tummy time. He's too young to have blankets with him, so maybe line the moses basket with the pack n play sheet for a while, so he gets used to the touch and sight of it.

In the end, it'll be tough to avoid any pain. Anything new for a baby is frightening. Babies also also tough and resilient creatures. Give your son some credit! He will adapt and he will be fine.

Hi T.-
We had the same issue, I wanted to get my son used to the pack n play incase he was staying with grandparents, so for a few days i set one in his room - where he was pretty comfortable in-- and he got used it, then i used the same one where ever we took him.
Hope this helps!

T.,

The pack and Play maybe too spacious for him and that is why he will fall asleep in the moses basket because he feels more confined. We swaddle newborns because it gives the baby that "in the womb" feeling, this may be the same type of feeling your baby needs for napping. You didn't mention how many months he was, but based on the fact that he is still fitting in the moses basket I would say he is still pretty young. Maybe have the daycare provider try swaddling him with a blanket, see if you can find a bigger one if the traditional 24x24 or 30x30's are too small to swaddle him with. If he is too big for that try to think of ways to make him feel more "confined" in the pack n play, safely.

K.

Does he have a "second favorite" blankie? What we did with my son was put that second favorite blankie down over the nylon bottom (wrapped under the edges of the bottom) of the pack n play and it not only makes it softer, it gives him something familiar to lay down on, smells familiar, etc. I wouldn't use his favorite, but a second one works well.

Try putting something familiar on the mattress so he feels more comfortable. Perhaps you or he can sleep with an extra sheet for a night or two. Once your scent or his own is on it, put it on the matress. He'll still probably take a little bit to settle down but after he gets that scent he'll feel more comfortable. After a few days, he won't need it at all!

Have you tried reading him a story before nap time? How about laying down with him until he dozes off while soft music plays in the background as you rub his back? If you are consistent with his routine, he will eventually get used to it. Good luck, I hope this one (if you haven't tried so) works for you.

Hi,
I think he is used to the closeness and security of the basket. He may feel like he is going to fall. So maybe try putting something around him like rolled up blankets, so he still feels secure. How old is he? Once he is bigger he'll grow out of it. He'll want to move around. Good Luck.

Hello T.,
i didn't catch how old your child was, and this may have an impact on how long it will take, however,
I am also a daycare provider in my home, I also use the pack and play type beds, they will eventually adujust. There is no need to wory The Idea of the "baby bed" as we like to cll it, is to keep them safe, and kept from continually getting up if refusing to sleep.

A tired child will sometimes "fight" sleep, and in the baby bed, they usually settle down eventually. it really only takes a short amount of time before they understand this is the way it is done. I use these throughout my home, and I have had my share of disagreeable children. They will learn this is the sleeping place, if your provider is consistant.

I even have children in my home who ONLY nap for me, their parents love it. They are so used to the routine, it just comes naturally.
Good luck and hang in there.

Cold turkey. Get rid of the moses basket, stick him in there and let him work it out. You could also start napping him in a pack n play at home. Once he gets the hang of it you will be able to nap him anywhere because he will associate it with sleeping. It will make visiting friends and relatives easier and you could even take him camping.

Good luck!