nap strike

AHHHHHH! My 8 month olds won't nap. I.am.going.crazy.

I feel like I've tried everything, including CIO (for 45 minutes before giving up) and nothing is working. It's been about a week where they will be awake for almost 6 hours, nap eventually and then up until bedtime. They're so tired, they just refuse to sleep. I've tried:

1) different awake times thinking I was missing their window of sleepiness
2) bottles before sleeping
3) CIO together
4) separating them, and then CIO
5) putting toys in the crib so they can play quietly
6) black out shades and white noise (like at bedtime, this used to work)

Is this a phase? How long will it last?

 

Until this strike is over how about taking them for a ride in the car? That always puts mine to sleep.

I was also going to suggest going for a ride in the stroller, but it might be too cold where you live!

 

Are they working on something new developmentally? Crawling, pulling up, talking? Things like that can cause sleep disruptions. I would just stick to your routine, and hopefully, eventually they will get back on track!

 

I was going to say the same thing! My boys went through phases like this and I thought "oh no they can't be going to one nap already!!". They didn't. Turned out they were getting teeth. If you feel anything under their gums try giving some Motrin before naptime. Hope the phase ends quickly for you...but be ready, b/c they will do it again around 1 yr!

 

Another nap trick that I'm trying out is that HSHHB suggests after they wake up to have them get brief but intense stimulation and/or sunlight. Maybe a walk? I wish I could do that in between morning wakeup and Nap 1 but my babies are getting up at 5am and it's still dark! :tease:

 

I might get shot for suggesting this but do you think they are ready for 1 nap a day? My son went to 1 nap right around 1 year, it does happen early sometimes. Are they miserable while they are awake?

 

I agree that sticking to the routine is what always worked best for me. Hopefully, it's just a phase & they will pass through it quickly. :hug: