Waking from naps crying and sobbing - help me!!

[Alia's mum]

My 14 month old has never been a great napper, but has recently started having definate afternoon naps due to my determination. BUT - she awakes crying and sobbing and will continue for some time after I lift her and now I am worrying that maybe by getting her to nap she is resenting me? OR I just dont know.

Please can anyone help

Thanks

[aidenmc]

I remember my ds#1 doing this after naps for a period of time. I think I read somewhere (Dr. Weissbluth I think) that if they wake crying theya re still tired. Have you considered putting her down a little earlier?

[Alia's mum]

Thanks for that, it helps to know Im not alone!!.  Funny I did think that sometimes she appears tired and have tried a couple of times to put her down again, but this doesnt always seem to work.  She has started waking earlier and earlier in the morning and is crying aswell when she does!!  Looks like im in for some fun trying to work this one out!! xx

[Mom to M&M]

Sounds like she may be ready to extend A times and take one long nap. Maybe post her current routine and we'll have a look?

[Alia's mum]

Hi

Alia usually wakes about 5.30am 6 and then goes for nap about 9 until10/10.30.  Has nap after lunch anytime from 1pm which lasts an hour and has a couple of times lasted 2 which has been fantastic, but very rare.  Then goes to bed for 7pm and generally sleeps through until the next morning. 

I would really appreciate any help you can give as I have read all of Tracey's books but must be doing something wrong!!

Thanks x

[Mom to M&M]

I would check out the sticky in this forum on the 2-1 thread. It does sound like it may be time for her to transition.

I'd start by limiting first nap to 45 minutes or one hour tops - and holding off on that nap until 9:30 - so she'd nap from 9:30-1:15/10:30. Then shoot for second nap from 2-3:30 and bedtime at 7 or 7:30...

[Alia's mum]

Thanks very much. Will definatley give this a go from tomorrow and will keep you posted on progress.  I assume that if her naps are limited she may begin to sleep a little later in the mornings?  These 5/6 am starts are just killing me!!

[Mom to M&M]

Most babies do start to sleep later with limited naps - it may take a week or so - so hang in there! I'd try to keep total nap time around 2.5 hours tops at her age and maybe make that bedtime 7:30...

[Alia's mum]

You've no idea how good it is to have someone to bounce ideas off!!  I didn't realise this site was here until the other night  and  I thought Id try my luck!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me.  I sometimes feel like your all by yourself! x

[Mom to M&M]

You're very welcome - let us know how you get on!

[Alia's mum]

Made bedtime 7.30 last night, and it was tough to keep her awake, but wake up call was 5.30am and still woke up every hour.  Hope plan works if I stick to it.  Tried first nap at 9.30 as suggested but think I missed window so she has only just gone down.  Think I might try just one nap in pm tomorrow and see what happens.  Heres hoping.....

[Mom to M&M]

It does take some time to adjust their clocks. If it's hard to keep her awake, don't for now - or only increase in 10 minute increments every 3-5 days. I'd try to pick a plan and stick with it for at least a week and see how it works (whether one nap or two) and then you can always adjust.

[Alia's mum]

Hi Karen

Well, story so far.....

Alia has been sleeping dreadfully at night until mond.  Naps are down to one a day, and have managed to stretch her to 12noon ish, but she will only sleep for about 45mins.  Going down at night at 6pm.  I know this is still pretty new to her as only realy have worked it properly since mond - sund was a bit of a mess!!

Still waking from nap crying, but even though i try to put her down again she really resists.  Will keep trying and hopefully between 2-1 transition and working on getting her to sleep through the night it will all fall into place - fingers crossed.  Will keep you posted.

Tanya x

[Mom to M&M]

Have you tried wake to sleep to extend the nap?

[Alia's mum]

Dont think so - what does that involve??