Naptime...getting SO frustrated!

I've been trying so hard to get the babies on a naptime routine (not schedule, just a routine). I follow their cues, after 1.5-2 hours when they start fussing and rubbing their eyes, I'll transition them to the crib. Sometimes they'll fall asleep, sometimes they'll cry it out a little and fall asleep...but both of them are waking up after 20 minutes crying again! I KNOW that is not a decent nap, and if I get them and put them down to play again, they will just fuss. In turn I get frustrated because I feel like I'm picking up/putting down fussy babies that I know need to sleep...plus I need and want my break! Help!

 

Have you tried to put them down after 2.5 hours instead? I did the same thing, stuck to a routine, but as soon as nap troubles started, I increased the wake time by 15-30 minutes, and it usually fixed the problems. I had to put mine on a 2 nap schedule at 8.5 months, but it doesn't look like yours are at that point yet.

 

If you like to read, the book Healthy sleep habits, healthy child by Dr. weissbluth did me wonders with mine. Mine are only 4 months but everything I did out of that book worked. It addresses children from birth to adolesence. It was one of the best sleep training books Ive read and it doesnt go by a strict schedule.

Good Luck!

 

I agree with pp to try putting them down a little bit later. Let us know if that helps, or what works for you!

 

That book Healthy sleep habits happy child is the best !!!!! worth taking the time out to read it.

Some of the things from the book... if they are waking up crying --they are not getting enough sleep. If they are sleeping in the car -- they are not getting enough sleep. If they are rubbing their eyes, crying, red eyes -- it is likely 30 mins or 1 hour PAST their bed or nap time.

My girls wake up chatting away and hardly sleep in the car or stroller. They nap 2.5 hours in the AM and 2 hours i the PM and sleep 12 at night -- thanks to this book.

Sometimes a quick bath in the sink can cue them into their nap times.

Heather

 

How are they doing now Lea?

 

Much better, thank you Pamela! We've been home the past week due to colds so I've been working on the routine with them, and they are getting about two naps with a short catnap in the afternoon...I still wish they were longer (morning is usually 1 hr, and afternoon ranges from 1-1/2 hrs) but at least they are waking up happy

 

I'm glad that they are doing better! I need to check that book out again, I had it from the library a while ago, and it would be good to read again. I was going to say the same thing about if they are crying and fussy, its past time to put them down... I know sometimes I have to calm ours down to get them to sleep if I miss their cues. we get 2 good naps 1.5 - 2 hrs.