Tuesday, July 22, 2014

6 Tips That Help My Baby Nap Longer

Rose seriously doesn't need sleep. Okay I guess this isn't exactly 100% true... what I should say is my child doesn't need much sleep. At least not during the day. I am totally happy with how she sleeps at night, and will take it :) However, during the day is pretty interesting. She normally doesn't like to miss anything, so she will take 20 to 30 minute naps here and there, and thats about it on most days. BUT I do have those days where she will sleep for a blessed hour at a time, and I am on cloud nine ;) She also really fights sleep because she wants to stay awake. I mean I don't blame the girl for not wanting to miss anything, but I just wonder why some babies love naps and others just don't. 
I hear some of my friends telling me that their kids sleep for several hours during the day, while others tell me that their babies don't nap either. I mean I personally don't ever nap, while my husband naps whenever he gets the opportunity. So I guess I am just going to kind of keep going with the flow, and keep trying different places and methods to see if Rose will nap better. I am not the type of mom to have a schedule because that just doesn't work with me (I think it is totally awesome if you are a mom with a schedule :), it just isn't for me). I like doing what I feel is best for Rose each day, and kind of letting her call the shots. I know this may change when I have two kids, but for now, I don't mind holding Rose for the majority of the day because that's just what she likes :) 

With all of this being said, I have been trying some new things to get Rosalie to nap longer, and I thought that I would share some of them with you, just in case you are having some problems with your little one as well. 

1. Make sure you have background noise

(Rosalie's current fav show is My Little Pony and it is great background noise, also please excuse my laundry hehe ;)!)
When Rosalie falls asleep in a silent room it is incredibly easy to wake her up because she is used to that quiet. I have found that having a television on or a fan on near her while she is sleeping is the key. These noises drown out some of the other noises, and allow her to sleep much better.

2. Don't hover over them
Now most of you are probably thinking "well duh", but I am always so worried about Rose that I like to stay close to her when she is napping. I like seeing her chest move up and down so I know that she is breathing, and I like making sure that she is covered up and comfortable. I have found that I need to check her from a far though because most of the time she sleeps much better when mom stays away.

3. Try out different beds

I have noticed that Rosalie sleeps best in her swing and in her bassinet. It took me a while to figure this out, but I feel like I have got it down to the best two beds for her. She likes the swing because it sways her back and forth and plays music. This music helps to drown out the other noises, and the swinging motions help to keep her sleeping. She also likes sleeping in her bassinet, because she can stretch out in it. I also think she really likes it because she is so used to sleeping in it at night.

4. Don't make eye contact

Sometimes Rosalie will randomly wiggle and open her eyes, and if I happen to be looking at her at that exact moment, all hope is lost. She will immediately open those sweet eyes wider and start grinning from ear to ear. I have learned to look away when she is wiggling and opening her eyes, even though it is hard because I want to see her sweet smile so bad. Sometimes that extra 15 minutes is worth it, and I know that her smile will be waiting for me when she wakes back up :)

5. If you can, hold your baby while they sleep

I know there is all sorts of controversy over this topic, but guess what? I don't really care. Rosalie sleeps so good when my mom or me are holding her, and I love it! Sometimes it just feels to good to snuggle your baby while they sleep, and soak in their preciousness (did I just make that word up?). I know that my life will be so different when I have two kids instead of just one, so I am going to take every opportunity that I can to hold my baby girl close to me, and enjoy her. She also sleeps longer when I am holding her most of the time, so I have learned to do a lot of things one handed. 


6. Get their belly nice and full


Rosalie always has been a great eater, and I have never had a problem with her nursing. She is also starting on solids now, and she eats them incredibly well. I have learned that she will normally sleep a bit longer when her belly is nice and full. I will usually feed her solids about an hour before her nap and then right before she falls asleep she will nurse for a bit. Now this isn’t always the routine, and I didn’t really even intend to make it a routine, but that is usually what happens and it works well for me.
I am obviously no expert, but I am a mom who is learning as she goes. These things may not work for you, but they have worked for me, and I hope some of them will help you out as well :)

Update: I typed up this post during her nap, and she slept for ONE WHOLE HOUR! Yes I am excited if you can't tell ;)

*Is your baby a good napper?
*What are your nap time tips?


6 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing these tips! I will share this with my sister-in-law! She has a two month old!
    xo,
    Jacqueline
    stylininstlouis.com

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    1. I hope they help her :) They really have helped me out so much :)

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  2. I am not a mum but will tell my sister to read these tips, as she is seriously struggling :)

    PS: you are incredibly beautiful! and so is your little rosalie!

    Greetings from Paris!

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    1. Thank you so much! You are so sweet :) I hope these tips help her out!!

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  3. I will def use these tips come sept. Thanks girlie!


    Nightchayde

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    1. You are so welcome! I hope they work as well for you as they do for me :)

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I love reading your comments! :)