2 month old won't catnap

[Vking]

Our 2 month old resists the catnap. Why? Then she is tired and it's hard to get her to stay up until 730. She's also shortening her 2:30-4 to 2:30-3;30 which makes a really long stretch to bedtime. Please advise
E: 6/7 AM
A
S: 8/830 - 10
E: 10
A
S: 11:30-1PM
E: 1PM
A
S: 2:30-3:30/4PM
E: 4
A
No sleep at 5:15- 6. Cries if we try to put her down. Happy if she's in stroller or kicking on a table
E: 6PM- but tired and fussy. Would be happy to go to bed at 630
A: 6:45 bath
E: 7
S: 715/730
Sleeps 10-11 hours
No dream feed they were causing more wake ups
We'd like her to take the last nap. The rest of the day she's only up 90 min. stretches. Why resistance to this particular nap?

[MasynSpencerElliotte]

Is there any reason in particular not to try a 6:30 bedtime? You say wake up is between 6-7 am so a twelve hour day would put bedtime right around then as well. EASY is meant to be a routine, and to allow flexibility so that when lo is showing tired cues you don't have to push on to a specific time frame. Though she would still need a wee catnap regardless!

I did find that the catnap was tough and it was the one nap I did anything to get - held, rocked, walked, wore in a wrap - you name it, I did it! That way baby didn't go into bedtime already ot.

[newkidontheblock]

Completely agree that if CN isn't happening, bring bedtime forward. I would also suggest a fixed WU and bedtime: it works wonders for setting their body clocks. We used to APOP the catnap in the sling and go for a nice walk downstairs. It's possible you just aren't getting it now because she isn't tired at the time you are aiming for.

[Vking]

Thank you! I thought it was bad habit to rock and hold etc to sleep. But it makes sense here! And you're right about the 12 hour, too. We've been trying for the 7 AM wake up since day 1. And if I feed at a 6AM eu I'll try to put her back to bed until 7 and nurse again (that's why nap time is always 8/830AM. )

She only slept 8.5 hours last night then nursed for 20minutes at 430AM. Could some of this be due to low milk supply? My supply has dropped since she started the long stretches of sleep at night. If I pump at 6PM I get an ounce max from both sides combined.

[newkidontheblock]

We've been trying for the 7 AM wake up since day 1. And if I feed at a 6AM eu I'll try to put her back to bed until 7 and nurse again

I did the same thing:) Any waking before 7 was a NW for me and DH would offer her a bottle and put her back down. I must mention though -- Once I started a fixed WU time of 7, in a day or two she stopped waking for that 5.30/6 feed. I think she knew it was coming. If she woke early, I would let her chat and play around in her crib and only go in at 7.

She only slept 8.5 hours last night then nursed for 20minutes at 430AM. Could some of this be due to low milk supply?

Not at all. It is completely normal for babies to wake up to eat at night. They need the calories. And 7 to 4.30 is a great stretch. The DF really worked for us in this respect. It eliminated the 3.30 feed. You mention it causing more WUs - how long did you try? The first day we tried, DD was very unsettled but we persevered and it was great. I did and do not nurse for DF or NFs though. DH offers a bottle.

My supply has dropped since she started the long stretches of sleep at night. If I pump at 6PM I get an ounce max from both sides combined.

I wouldn't think of it as 'dropped' but rather as adjusted to her needs. You know, after DD started sleeping through, for the longest time I would WU ay 3.30 and pump because I was sure my supply would disappear:p Very silly of me. So don't worry - you have as much as she needs. When you say you only get 1 oz at 6 pm, is that after feeding her? I found that I get the most first thing in the morning and before going to bed at night. So when DD started sleeping through, till now, I pump before going to sleep at night. And after she started STTN, she would only feed from one side in the morning, so I would pump the other. A pump is not a good way of estimating your supply. Baby is much more efficient at getting out the milk, and as I said, your body will produce what she needs. Just keep nursing regularly

[Vking]

Thanks new kid on the block!
She sleeps 14.5 hours without the catnap. I think that's all she needs.
We are still trying to do it, but I'm not feeling as desperate as before.
Thanks for the support! You all are wonderful

[newkidontheblock]

You are most welcome