update on the naps/little bits of success

[brookmom]

Hi all
been a while since last post......(4 and half month old, been doing this for about 2 months now)

We are still dealing with the nap monster, but there have been overall improvements that I wanted to share!  We have finally nailed down a good bedtime routine (bath, feed, book in the rocking chair). We introduced a lovey and as soon as she gets it, her thumb pops into her mouth. We then rock for 3-5 min (dont want to rock her to sleep) and then its into the crib. Sometimes (not very often ) she will go right to sleep. Other times she will chatter (which gets louder and louder) usually for 10 minutes and then we will go to settle her by putting her more onto her side. Sometimes all it takes is 2 min or less of pats or even just the hand on her back for a few minutes.

I wanted to share a good story like this - it keeps me going and I hope will encourage others..........Like i said, we still get bitten almost every nap by the monster. Sometimes i can pat her back to sleep at the 37 minute mark and other times - not at all.  I have come to realize you do the best that you can and then move on.......

I still worry we intervene too much to get her to sleep, but am really trying to let her do her own thing. If she can self settle it seems she can do it in the first 10 minutes. If its longer than that - usually seems to be a sign she needs a little help.

thoughts or comments?

thanks

[creations]

Always great to hear successes.  Well done you and your LO for finding a stress-free way through the naps.
Sounds like you have a great wind down routine, and the introduction of the lovie has gone wonderfully too!

The general 'rule' is not to disturb them if they are mantra crying and not doing an all out 'I need you!' cry, however that said I have come to learn that my DS can only mantra a certain amount of time.  He's usually off to dreamland within a few mins of being put down, if not then I listen on the monitor and after a while I go back to him and give him a bit of a hand, still leaving him to go off on his own (mostly).  So - I'm with you in offering a little more help on the days it's needed.  I think this shows an established and successful communication between you and baby.

Just a reminder, are you increasing A time for her age?  You might find you can beat that 40 min monster with an increased A time.

[ZacsMumme]

Just popping in to also congratulate you on your success. It feels good to finally make a few solid steps forward sometimes doesn't it Great work you!