Would You Leave Him in His Crib?

Updated on November 11, 2008
J.S. asks from Chicago, IL
9 answers

My 22 month old is an AWESOME sleeper. He takes a nap every day from 1-4, he's a nightmare without it and he looks forward to it. On occasion though, he doesn't go to sleep right away. He will eventually but after 45 minutes or so I start to feel bad and wonder if he's just not tired. He never cries, he just sits in his crib and reads or talks to himself. He will fall asleep eventually but I hate leaving him in there too long plus, is he just falling asleep because he's in there and what else is there for him to do? What would you do? How long would you wait? Is it cruel to leave him in there for that long? I usually say if he's not asleep by 2:30 or 3:00 I'm getting him out but he always falls asleep first. It's very rare but it still bothers me when it happens. Thanks.

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So What Happened?

So, my pediatrician told me recently, don't tell other mothers how well your baby sleeps! I know I am really lucky. He sleeps from 7:30 to between 6:30 and 7:30 and naps every day 1-4. These episodes are really few and far between, maybe once every few months but it does bother me because I just don't know what to do. You all helped me relax a little and feel much better about leaving him in there for a while. I know he needs it, and he's happy...and so am I. Having a seven month old too, I look forward to that time he goes down. Thanks for your reassurance!

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A.G.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds fine :) It's good he can entertain himself...that's a good skill to have as an adult :) He's probably just winding down, and processing everything. As adults we need time to unwind before sleeping, and we do this numerous ways. If it really bothered him he'd let you know, trust me mone does LOL.

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W.S.

answers from Chicago on

What a good little guy! And how lucky for you that he takes such a good nap. Don't feel bad J. - I think 45 minutes to 1 hour occassionally is okay to wait as long as he's happy and not crying or distressed, and as long as you can hear him or be able to check on him every 15-20 mins or so.

Sometimes they need time to 'wind down' before falling asleep (just like we do). But do watch out - he might get bored and try to climb out of his crib (or worse - at that age - play with poo - and I'm not talkin about Winnie - haha!) been there!

W.

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L.R.

answers from Chicago on

I haven't read all the responses, but will bet that mine will go againt the norm. A little down time is good for him and maybe that is all he requires. I have a daughter who is now 5 and still requires some "alone time" to regroup and carry on through the day.. I am sure if i left her in there long enough she would fall asleep too. But really try a half hour quiet time where he is by himself, either reading books, playing anything quiet and see how he does. Both my girls where done with naps at about 2. Maybe he is too

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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

I agree. Leave him in there.

My oldest son did the same thing where he would play/talk/sing for a while before and after naps in his crib.

They need this down time - you do too. Enjoy it while you have it. I too have a 22 month old and think its way to early for them to be giving up naps.

Enjoy your self soother who enjoys his bed!
B.

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N.O.

answers from Chicago on

I'd let him enjoy quiet time...he's relaxing and having down time (and so can you!) even if he's not asleep. We do the reverse - often times letting our son play in his crib for a bit when he wakes up...nobody likes to roll out of bed and start moving right away...enjoy a good sleeper/relaxer!

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P.P.

answers from Chicago on

if he isn't having trouble going to sleep at night from that long of a nap.. then gosh.. just enjoy the quiet time. If he was unhappy I think he would let you know about it. I see nothing wrong with it provided he has been active during the morning. ENJOY!! I'm curious what time he goes to bed at night? I wish the little guy I babysit for would be that agreeable at nap time..!!!

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T.S.

answers from Chicago on

I agree, if he's happy - leave him. Some kids enjoy their time alone as much as time playing and exploring. That's a gift, in my opinion...for him AND you ;)

Sometimes, my 3 y/o doesn't want to nap (usually when he's excited about something after nap) and we encourage him to have "quiet time" in his room for at least an hour. He can read, play his guitar, play his letter game, but he needs to say in bed. I think he actually enjoys it.

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with Nora. Does he wake up really early? He may need an earlier nap. He could be overtired and unable to fall asleep. It may also depend on how much activity he's had in the morning. My boys always took longer to fall asleep on days they were less active. You may want to take the books away. Read one together before he goes down. It will help him to understand the crib is only for sleeping, not playing. Good luck!

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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

leave him in there. He is WAY too young to start giving up naps. You may find that he needs to be put down for nap EARLIER. When kids get overtired they get hyper and have a harder time going to sleep. So you may be missing the window of sleep. As long as it's dark, he will sleep or be quiet so let him be.

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