How to get baby to nap with toddler running around?!?!?!?!?!

[Courtney L]

Hi!!
I am in need of some advice and help!!

I have a 10week old little girl and a 2.5yr old. I am finding it very hard to get her to nap past 45 mins. She goes down great at night and usually resettles herself after her last feed and early morning feed but not when it comes to naps. Right now I am resorting to using the swing as with my son running around I don't have the time to sit there and get her to go back to sleep or use shh/pat. My son is very spirited and loud! If I am out of the room for more than 5 mins he starts to look for me!!!  Just wondering what other moms do?? I know I wont be able to use the swing much longer (ap and she'll grow out of it I'm sure!!) but for now it's the only way I can get things done!!! She sleeps great in it with him running around screaming and all!!!

[Khalam's Mama]

Have you seen this?
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=63933.0

[Rizzo]

Yep, I have posted a comment about my 7 week old having 45 min naps too, with a 2yr old spirited DS. Isn't it frustrating? I would love to spend more time with DS1 in the mornings (its his best most focused time), but that is when DS2 has most of his 45min sleeps. He used to resettle himself, not sure whats changed, but I haven't been successful in resettling for the second 40mins as its too difficult with DS1. I have used my baby carrier (which I guess is like your swing!!). Dont have any good suggestions, but would love to hear if anyone else has any!!

[Khalam's Mama]

Only had a quick minute with that post earlier so am back now.
We use white noise turned up quite loud to block of DS1s noise. Music would work too.
If I need to resettle or spend time putting DS2 down I might set DS 1 up with an activity I know he will do for a while like play doh, a DVD, a snack in the high chair etc. Maybe keep some stuff he only gets for nap settling. Some toys from the £1 shop where you could bring out a new one when you need him to be occupied is good.
I do find I have to get DS1 to be esp quiet at the 45min time to ensure DS2 transitions.
TBH I did concentrate on getting the A time right and self settling for going down more than I did extending naps.

[j.and.e]

I usd to get him up and do lots of short naps if it took more than a few mins. Mine slept in our hall until 4mo thou, bt ds1 was 21mo so cudnt be left. At 2.5 i think i just put tv on xx

[Courtney L]

Thanks ladies. I did find this morning when I pushed her past 1hr10 mins she seemed to do o.k. I put her in her crib and used the vibrating light we have and it seemed to work!! The rest of the day went out the window! I do use the t.v a lot right now, and I feel guilty for it as DS is so spirited and needs to run!! I think I'll try the stuff to do only when I am putting her down. Hopefully he will stay preoccupied for more than 10 mins!!! We dont use a high chair anymore! He started to get to frustrated in it and would rock it!!! I don't feel to comfy leaving him alone with crayons or colors besides his chalk!! (Easy to clean)
I think, well I hope it gets easier once summer hits so that I can take him outside to wear him out and she can sleep in the stroller!!