Extending nap but no deep sleep

[mkblessings]

I have been working for 2 weeks to extend a 45 min nap.  I know how to do it because it was successful with our son who became a wonderful sleeper.  My problem is this, even though I am doing a little patting or putting in the paci, she never goes into a deep sleep.  She stays in REM.  Jolts or scrunches up, not crying unless I don't touch her.  She does have reflux (on prevacid) and will look like she has some gas but this can't be the only problem or she wouldn't have gone down so easily for the first 45min.  She's 5 weeks old.  She is needing me for the entire last 45min, somewhat sleeping but not going into the restorative deep sleep and I have to stay in the room.  Any ideas?  Overstimulation and activity is not the case.  She doesn't do much other than look at the wall.

[brenda2]

how long's her A time?

[mkblessings]

Maybe 15min.  She eats for 30min.  Quietly looks around for about 15.  The house is quiet and there are only soft colors around.  She really doesn't show any signs of over-stimulation.  She's easy to read.  Yawns once and we're go straight to her room.  I keep it dark.  We swaddle, sit, and she's in the crib in just a minute or two.  I watched her really close when she napped today after I made the first post.  First 45min is uneventful but once she comes out of it I see her make movements like a cat coughing up a hairball but without the noise.  I think it must be a mixture of the reflux and gas.  I just don't want to be leaving something out or missing something.  She's on the strongest reflux meds and I do all I can to lessen her gas.  Her crib is elevated but not very high because she rolls down to the bottom during the night.  If this is reflux, I don't know what else I can do.  I don't want to put her in the swing and half to break a bad habit later but I also need to spend time with my 3 yr old and not always be in the nursery.

[marensmama]

If your LO's reflux is not 100% under control, she will have difficulty settling and poor sleep, and unfortunately there's nothing you can do to sleep train her until she's feeling better.  If she sleeps better in the swing, put her there for now.  Yes, you may have prop issues later, but you both need a break and a good nap, and this may be the only way you get that. 

[brenda2]

sounds like your A time is fine then, so maybe not much you can do.  she's so young, don't worry about it now and as nicole said just do what you can to get her some good naps.

[mkblessings]

Thank you guys so much.  I don't know where our family would be without Tracy's books and this website.  It was such a help with my first child and I feel so much more confident with this second.  You really can tell a lot about what is going on by just observing your child and looking at their body language.

[marensmama]