How to Get the Baby to Take a Nap
Getting a baby to sleep is an important part of setting a daily routine. A baby who misses a nap or naps late will then throw off his eating schedule as well as his nighttime schedule. To get a baby to sleep can take quite some time if a baby is determined to stay awake. However, there are a few ways to help make the process quicker and easier for the parent as well as the baby.
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Instructions
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Set a sleep routine. For an older baby, getting into a familiar routine can signal that it’s time to rest. The routine can involve feeding the baby, reading a baby book and a back rub, or any other routine that calms the baby and lets him know that he will soon be going to sleep.
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Get the baby in motion. A younger baby may be better soothed by gentle motion. For some babies, a ride in the car will put them to sleep right away. For other babies, being rocked in a rocking chair or in a baby swing will work best.
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Create a soothing environment. Give the baby some gentle lullaby music or a white noise machine for the nursery. Gentle sounds can help him to drift off to sleep far faster in many cases.
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Give the baby cereal or baby food before nap time, if the doctor says the baby is old enough. The food will keep him happy longer and make it easier for him to sleep. Babies who aren’t eating solid foods may need to wake more often to feed and will have a harder time napping for any length of time.
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Lay down with the baby. If a baby has gotten worked up and doesn’t seem ready to calm down, lay down with him for a time. This can show him that it’s time to sleep for everyone and will comfort him long enough to help him drift off for his nap.
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Comments
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nininanny
Dec 13, 2008
I am a caregiver of a 10-month-old boy who has a lot of difficulty napping. His mother has no routine herself, and, as a result, there is no routine for him. She is strictly against the "cry it out" method, so getting him to sleep is pretty tough. I have been having difficulty meeting the needs of all of the children in my care when he is here. I have suggested to her that she establish a routine, but to no avail. Any suggestions? -
nininanny
Dec 13, 2008
I am a caregiver of a 10-month-old boy who has a lot of difficulty napping. His mother has no routine herself, and, as a result, there is no routine for him. She is strictly against the "cry it out" method, so getting him to sleep is pretty tough. I have been having difficulty meeting the needs of all of the children in my care when he is here. I have suggested to her that she establish a routine, but to no avail. Any suggestions?
