getting out and about?

[lgliser]

We have been doing EASY about a week now and loving it!  It has really brought order and calmness to the days!  We're on basically a 3 hr routine.  Sometimes 2 1/2 though.  I was wondering though, when you're on a routine like this, how do you get out and about?  How do you run an errand?  If you go during naptime and they sleep in the car, then they are sleeping but it's not in their cribs where they are used to sleeping, per the routine.  If you go during awake time, then they could fall asleep in the car and wouldn't that throw everything off? 

Another question I have:  Our routine today was wonderful.  They napped perfectly and for good lengths of time.  Then late afternoon they ate at 4, were awake, then put in their swings for a catnap around 5.  The thing is, they didn't sleep well in the swings like they used to.  (Maybe they are really appreciating the comfort of the crib naps??!!)  Then they were cranky after they woke and ate.  Then it was hard putting them to bed.  They were overtired.  But if I was aiming for a 7 or 7:30-ish bedtime, it seemed to me that putting them in their cribs at 5 was not necessary, especially since I thought it could just be a catnap.  Should I a) give them their catnap in their cribs and just wake them after 45-60 minutes, still giving them the 7:30-ish bedtime?  b) give them a regular longer nap in their cribs and move bedtime to later in the evening?  c) something I have not thought of??

OK and one other question I just thought of.  It's kind of stupid but... if we put our 3 month olds to bed at 7-ish and they wake up at 7-ish in the morning, would they get up at 8am if we put them to bed at 8?

Thanks,
Laney

[tylersmommy]

Um, is that THREE babies in your avatar! WOW! They're precious!

For getting out and about, what I've done with both my kids is aim for at least 1 nap a day in the crib. Obviously, when you're first getting started, it's best to have as many naps in the crib as possible, but as your babies get used to the routine you can be more flexible. A nap in the car or stroller isn't going to mess things up unless that's what you do for every single nap.

Have you checked out some of the EASY routines for 3 mo olds? They usually still need 3 full naps and a catnap before bed. This is the routine (ideal day, of course) that I use for my 3 mo old DD:
7 - Wake, eat
830-10 - Nap
10 - Eat
1130-1- Nap
1 - Eat
230-4 - Nap
4 - Eat
5-530 - Catnap
7 - Eat, Bedtime

In theory, if you put them to bed at 8, they should wake at 8 the next morning. In theory.

[Jodieplus2]

Hi, I find with naps that if my little boy has had a really good nap of say 2 hours, then I don't mind him having a shorter nap for his next one out in the car or pram if I have an errand to run- so I plan things around that really.
Also, just to let you know that it defintely gets easier, once they get a little older, to run errands as they are awake longer. My 6month old now has an awake time of 2.25hours & gives me enough time to get out & about without him falling asleep. So the rushin about doing errands won't last forever 

With regards to the last nap, I found that giving him a nap at 5pm in his crib worked (let him sleep for about 45mins) & he still feel alseep well at 7pm if he has a good bedtoime routine- calming bath, bottle & bed. I agree that as they get older & get used to sleeping in their crib, they don't fall asleep as easily or as deeply anywhere else. I guess that shows a good sign that they like sleeping in their crib.
I think it is best to stick to the 7-7.30pm bestime- then you get some quality time for yourself & partner in the evenings & gets your little ones into a good habit or not being up too late.

Sorry- not sure about the last question- I've never tried it- my little boy's waking time differes from 6-30- 7.30am every day.
Jxx

[lgliser]

Thanks for the replies! 

Yep - 3 babies!  I had triplets in October!
Laney

[tylersmommy]

WOW! Congratulations...you're my hero!