Sleeping and Christmas eve

[scucci1979]

My lo is not on one nap yet. She does a long am nap beginning at 11:30am and a short CN around 4:45pm for 15min. 

Christmas eve we are planning to go to my in-laws around 2pm for lunch then my parents at 5:30pm for dinner.  It is going to be a long day.  I am planning to give her am nap at home and am hoping for her to take her CN in the car on the way to my parents.  I highly doubt she will take this CN.  I would like her to enjoy Christmas at both houses and don't want her to be cranky.  If she doesn't take her CN I am not sure she will fall asleep at my parents house as there will be 7 young children running around. 
What should I do? Should I try AP?

[deb]

Yeah, for this one occasion you may have to go with APOP - Accidental Parenting On Purpose! Sometimes life throws stuff at us. At least you're looking ahead to the possibilities. And she might surprise you by taking a CN in the car, especially if it's kind of dark while you're driving, which would make the whole thing more pleasant. You might also be surprised at how easily some kids fall asleep when it's noisy, like a consistent noise level, almost like having a white noise machine after a while.

[MummyToBen]

Have you ever covered her carseat with something to make it darker in there?  We find it helps Ben to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep for much longer than if it is bright.  It also stops any bright headlights startling them awake if it is night-time.  x

[We Three]

Is she not much of a car-sleeper?   Maybe bring something from bed, like a favorite blankie or something, keep her coat on so she's toasty, and maybe she'll take a quickie.  I have been known to be late for certain family events because dd was beginning to doze off, so I'd call and say " We're going to be late...I'm gonna drive around for 30 minutes!" 

[Mashi]

If your cantnap is time sensitive, as in you need it a bit earlier than you think she will take it, then you can wake her a bit early from her long nap so that the timing will work.

And, IMO there is no need to fear AP.  I know it is supposed to be a big no no but a few instances of rocking a child to sleep (as an example) is not going to cause problems.  I have actually insisted that we KEEP using things like rocking now and again because there are times when I need DS to sleep by being rocked (on flights for instance) and if he isn't able to go to sleep that way then I am in trouble!  Sleep tools can be your friend!

[mokey_cat]

And, IMO there is no need to fear AP.  I know it is supposed to be a big no no but a few instances of rocking a child to sleep (as an example) is not going to cause problems.  I have actually insisted that we KEEP using things like rocking now and again because there are times when I need DS to sleep by being rocked (on flights for instance) and if he isn't able to go to sleep that way then I am in trouble!  Sleep tools can be your friend!

I totally agree with Mashi!!  We still APOP occasionally just to make sure we can still do it  in case we are ever in a situation when we need DD to sleep when we are out.  And it was a lifesaver when flying!!  Dont be too scared to AP - once or twice will not make her rely on it 

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