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SLEEP => Naps => Topic started by: Lucysmom on September 29, 2005, 12:30:41 pm

Title: First morning nap
Post by: Lucysmom on September 29, 2005, 12:30:41 pm
Hi -

My 4 month old dd sleeps well at night (10-12 hours) but always seems to want to take a nap after 45 minutes to an hour of awake time first thing in the morning.  For example, this morning she woke at 6:45 and she was showing sleepy signs by 7:30 if not earlier.  I put her down but don't know how to do EASY for the rest of the morning.  And I don't know if I should try and extend this nap or if I should just let her do her normal  :evil:  45 minute nap.  Any input would be appreciated!!!  Thanks!
Title: First morning nap
Post by: Matthew's Mommy on September 30, 2005, 21:05:03 pm
This is common for 4 month olds-- between 3-4 months, the short napping of 45 mins. tends to appear (sometimes sooner).

First, take a look at her behaviour, does the 45 min. seem to be affecting her? 

A lot of times, a change in routine is needed, looking at lengthening the awake time (gradually), helping her fall asleep independently.

By 6 months of age, most 45 min. nappers have extended their naps It takes time and maturity.
Title: First morning nap
Post by: kendra's mom on October 03, 2005, 04:03:22 am
My 4 month old does something similiar.  She generally sleeps right through from around 8-9 pm till I wake her at 7:30 am.  She feeds about 25-30 minutes and then almost 30 minutes after that she starts to show signs of tiredness (occ. yawn).  I have managed to extend her wake time past 9 am (when she looks like she can sleep) to 9:30 am by placing her in a sling and then doing some low-keyed errands about the house.  She only sleeps 45 minutes but it leaves me with less time to fill up before her next feed.  I really like to extend that activity to the full 2 hours but right now I am working on getting it to 9:45 am.  Basically my babe has become a 45 minute napper but generally wakes from the naps happy and sleeps so excellent at night that I have come to accept it as her way.  Hopefully as she matures she will regain those long-napping skills.  Good luck!!