Napping Question - Chicago,IL

I think she can probably nap wherever you're most comfortable having her nap and wherever she sleeps best. For my son, until he got to be about 10 weeks, this was in a swing, bouncy seat, stroller (laid flat), my arms, etc. At that point we moved him into the crib for naps (he was sleeping in our bedroom at night still) as a way of getting him used to the crib and his own room. If you're going back to work soon, I would think about getting her used to sleeping in a situation similar to what she'll be doing during the day.

My boy (now 7.5 months) fought naps at this age, but slept very well at night. In my opinion, as long as the night time sleep is good, do what you have to do to get her to nap well during the day.

I think at this point, you should let her nap whereever you both are comfortable. You will know when she needs to go into the crib - she won't want to nap at all, and will be disturbed by everything. If that is occurring now, try the crib.

Good luck!

J.

At this age I would say wherever and whenever is okay. My son didn't start napping in his crib until 4/5 months. It was a process to get him used to it and took awhile but he got it. For us he slept in his crib at night some time before napping in his crib. Once you think she is ready to nap in the crib start with the first nap of the day (it is the most predictable) and then build upon that. Take your time and it will all work out. But again you can wait awhile before thinking of that. Congratulations on being a new mom!!!

I had the same problem and ended up making all naps take place in the crib. It worked for us!

Hi K.,
Congratulations on being a new mommy! I have a 13 mo. old and thinking back, his first 2-3 months he slept anywhere for daytime naps because he wouldn't really sleep in his crib.

Your little one is still adjusting to the world outside and it may take some time to get her used to the crib. I would just keep trying every once in awhile to see how she reacts.

I've recommended these two books to many moms: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth & Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber.

Good luck!! By the way, your daughter sleeping 5 hrs at night is wonderful!! Just know that your instincts know best.