Nap struggles! Crying at nap time.

[Nat1108]

We have been doing the EASY program for 2 months.  Our LO is 4 days shy of 4 months old and is EBF.  Since starting EASY we have made progress in at least getting our DS to have short 45min naps during the day.  But almost every nap time is a stressful event.  We tried shh-pat initially, but just didn't seem to work for him, could never get him to settle to sleep.  Then started to rock him in rocking chair.  It was not great, there would be 10-20min of fussing/crying before he would settle and could be put in crib.  DS would then sleep for 45 min.  Attempted for 3 weeks to lengthen naps but it was not successful.  About 3 weeks ago he really started to self-soothe by sucking his fist.  So, we changed nap routine to diaper change, read him 2-3 books then place directly in crib.  At the start, would lean over crib with hand on bottom and usually within 10-20 min would soothe himself to sleep.  There was some fussing/crying but not excessive.  10 days ago it seemed like we were really making progress, he was self-soothing to sleep in 5-10 min and had even started sleeping 1.5-2 hrs a nap.  Whoop Whoop :)However, the last week has been a disaster.  Back to the 45 min naps and that is when I can get him to sleep.  Our LO will start into fussing/crying then it reaches a point where can not console him.  Leave the room for few minutes and try again, but the minute we enter the room he will start crying again!  Beyond frustrated and don't know what to do.

Nights have always been quite good, usually just up for 1 feed sometimes 2 during the night.

Our EASY today:
Awake @ 8:30
E 8:45-9:00
A 9:00-10:15
S 10:30-11:15 (8 min to put himself to sleep)
E 11:30-12:00
A 12:00-1:00
S 1:30-2:15 (25min of fussing/crying to get him to sleep)
E 2:45-3:15
A 2:15-2:45 and 3:15-4:00
S started sleep process and never did get him to sleep in crib.  DH became very frustrated and bundled LO and went for a drive with him.  LO would have slept ~1hr in vehicle during 1hr45min drive.
E 6:45-7:45 - nursed and dozed at this time.
A Bedtime routine
S 9:00
Will do DF @ 11pm
Bedtime 1 hour late due to car ride for a nap
Sorry for length of post!  Just sooo frustrated! Help!

[*Kara*]

A typical A time for his age is 1 hr 45 - 2 hrs so that looks good to me... but, given that you were getting good naps and now they have shortened back to 45 mins, I think you need to increase his A time a touch to return to those long naps. 

Loads of crying and fussing can mean LO is UT and does not want to sleep just yet

Maybe try adding 10 mins to first A time and see how you go.

What do you think?

[Nat1108]

Will certainly give it a try.  I wondered if A was maybe a little too short.  Yesterday was the first time I changed A to 1hr45min from 1hr30 min so will keep trying that today.  Just don't want to keep repeating the last few days.  It is so frustrating to know he can put himself to sleep and have good sleeps.  And it is heart wrenching to see how upset he gets when trying to nap.

Thanks!

[*Kara*]

For sure hold that 1 hr 45 mins for a few days time... could be a touch of OT starting too...

[Nat1108]

Have tried increasing A time to 1hr45min for the last 2 days.  First nap is not too bad, usually sleeping in 10-15 min with minimal crying.  Second nap asleep in 20-25 min with fussing and moderate crying.  Third nap is a total disaster.  By this time LO is so OT.  If I can get LO to sleep it will take an hour or more with lots of crying and screaming.  Not fun at all.  All  naps are 45 min.  Wondering if LO is starting teeth, no bumps on gums, but lots of chewing, so this may be part of our issue. 

[Khalam's Mama]

I also think he sounds ut for 1st nap then due to short naps getting ot by end of the day. I would keep him up a little longer for the 1st A. I found 4-6mo the A time increased quicker than previously.

[*Kara*]

Given that baby is taking 10-15 to fall asleep - maybe push closer to 2 hrs A time