Any wisdom to get 5 week old off for naps?

[mstormin]

I really liked Tracy's book, however it's pretty impossible to get our 5 week old to take naps with her advice.  It seems that DS needs our help a little more (or maybe I just want to think that! :lol: )

Any advice on getting him down for naps? 

Also, if will the rocking, etc at this age considered a prop?

What's worked for you?

Thanks!

[Matthew's Mommy]

Hi there and welcome to the board!

I have to be quick as my little one is waking up.. and my older one is wanting my attention!

Swaddle, block out visual stimulation, pat-shush (with Brendan it was more shush than patting), keeping an eye out for sleep window and ensuring to act on first sleepy cue, decreasing awake time if overtiredness is occuring, keeping activity level low-- overstimulation makes it so hard to fall asleep.

I'll add if I can think of more later!

[Meg's Mom]

Her new book is awesome!  Like an owner's manual  - as mine didn't come w/ one.  :wink:
Jane gave you some great advice:

What worked for us?
Don't let them get overtired!  Overtiredness and overstimulation can make it difficult for a newborn/young infant to fall asleep/stay asleep.

Have nap wind down:
Swaddle tight, carry her around the house for few minutes, take her to her room, dim the lights, pull the blind (she needs complete darkness), rock for a few minutes and then I lie her down in bed.  If she can't settle i would shh/pat until almost asleep.

I don't think rocking at this age is a prop as long as you are NOT rocking him to sleep.  He must be drowsy but awake when put into his crib so he can learn to fall asleep on his own.

Hope that helps.

[wkp]

This is my first time on the boards and I SO appreciate the advice.  It is so wonderful to not feel completely alone!  I have a 4 year span between kids and can't seem to recall going through napping issues at 6 weeks (the memory is a wonderful thing).  I just wanted to thank everyone for the advice and support I have felt just by reading...