no set nap times-is it too late?

[motherteresa]

i'm a newbie to the babywhisper approach but like what i've read. am looking for help with my 9 week old. during first few weeks, she would fall asleep at different times during the day and i would put her in her bassinet to sleep. lately though, she'll fall asleep on me after breastfeeding and when i put her down, she awakes crying. when i try to put her down to sleep when she shows her cues, she cries very hard until i pick her up. patting her and shhh doesn't help. when she's calm i put her back down, but the crying starts again and gets harder until i pick her up and she will fal asleep in my arms. that and the carseat after a ride are the only places i can get her to nap .i didn't set a routine for her, let her sleep when she wanted. now she doesn't want to sleep during the day and will have meltdowns all afternoon and evening until she finally falls asleep for the night. she'll sleep good at night. 5-6 hrs , awake to feed, and sleep again for 3-4 hrs. the day time missing naps are the problem.i feel lke i failed her b/c i haven't provided structure for her. is it too late? any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[kim&savannah]

Don't have long for a reply, but I wanted to let you know it is NEVER too late, and your LO is still young and can adapt to changes you implement very quickly.  Its a lot harder when they are around 8 months, but you've got a lot of time before that hits.

Have you read the first book, The Baby Whisperer?  That has great starting out info on how to begin a routine and Baby Whisperer Solves all your Problems has a lot more info as well.

~Kim

[andibig]

motherteresa
Honey you haven't failed just cos LO isn't on a routine yet .
But its never too late to get them on a routine and shes only 9 weeks and that when I started getting sasha on a more structured routine.
your LO sounds like shes getting very OT (overtired) by the end of the day.
haven't got much time to write at the mo but just need to ask a few ques.
How often are you breastfeeding?
How many naps does she have a day and how long does she nap for?
Do you swaddle her?
Will be back later.

[motherteresa]

thanks for your responses. i'm reading the secrets of a BW,talks about the EASY routine.the info about cues has helped.i was missing some classic tired signs and she was getting ot. been doing better last couple of days. now taking 2-3 1hr or so naps a day and avoiding the afternoon meltdown!

i've been breastfeeding on demand, so approx every 1-3 hrs during the day. down to one feed during the night.we swaddle her at night and she does well, but fights it at naptime,so i skip it.

i feel better, i'm more calm and happy to see her better rested.let's hope it continues!!thanks for the tips.  motherteresa

[andibig]

so nice when they sleep better .
if you need any more help don't hesitate to ask