Napping Has Decreased Since New Sister

My son is 18 months and doing the same thing. Only he has an older sister. He used to take 2hr naps, now I am lucky if he take 30-45mins. He wakes up crying and wants to be held for a while. Well, finally a couple of weeks ago when he woke I sat him down instead of holding him. He went to his sisters bedroom door and to every room in the house calling her name (the best he can). That is when it dawned on me that he is afraid he is going to miss something or be left out. If he naps on me or at a grandparents house he will take a full two hour nap. Unfortunetly, I can't hold him everyday so that really isn't much of an option. The last three or four days have been better. Almost an hour and a half each time. I don't know if he is starting to realize his sister will be there later if not when he wakes up or if it is something else intirely. I am not going to complain though. On the other hand. My daughter stopped taking naps completely by 18 months. She would lay in bed, but would not sleep. I guess every child really is differant. Sorry I couldn't help with a solution, but maybe it will give you some insight.

What I have had to do is lay with Joey until he's asleep if he's really fussy and tired....I have found once he's asleep for his nap I can get up and do what ever I need to get done....You might also want to try this chat room it has helped me with some of my issues with my kids.... http://www.a-mommys-world.com/chat.php

It just sounds to me like she is jealous of the new baby. She feels like she is "left out" if she sleeps.So, she is not going to sleep, and if she is made too, she is going to scream and cry just like the new baby. I believe at this age, this is common. My kids went through it too when I had a new baby in the home. Plus, the reason that she is crying is that she is over tired I think. Maybe some alone time just the two of you will do the trick....that is what happend with me and my kids....maybe try it. don't forget she is nearly two and adult logic does not compute and she is also entering the terrible 2s phase. I wish I could be of more help.

I know that my daughter started taking shoter naps at about 18 months and no longer took a nap when she turned two. I hated that. Have you ever thought about all three of you taking a nap togather. Maybe all 3 of you can just go lay down togather until she falls asleep. I know when my daughter is over tired ( which sounds like yours) she will cry and throw a fit. Even my 8 year old when she is over tired crys. I don't think putting her to bed any earlier is going to help. I think you need to include her more sounds like she feels she is going to be left out or miss something. Even if you would sit down.. Make your self do it.. With her and the baby read a book and have a snack then lay down. The more you fight with her the more she is going to not do it. Have you just not let her take a nap and seen how that works out? A little sleep is not going to hurt even you.. Try a nap with her and your new baby and see how that works. I used to take them with my daughter. Good luck