Honestly, am I wrong?

My DD (four months tomorrow) is a VERY light sleeper. She always has been, since the day she was born. We try to make noise around to get her used to it but it doesn't work.

That being said, naptime can be difficult. DD is now going down for a nap at 1pm instead of 11am (no idea why and it's making me crazy) so I think it's important to get her used to a steady time. A very opinionated family member has now made comments a few times saying "I guess you'll be spending alot of time in the house then" and things like that JUST because I don't want to go shopping during that time.

Am I wrong? Should I just keep putting her in and out of the car and stroller only to have her wake up and be miserable as the day goes on? Then I have to put her in for a late afternoon nap and she won't go to sleep on time that night....see the pattern?

Help me out, I don't want to be in the house either but I think it's important to establish this routine.....sorry so long.

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

You have to do what works for you. Her napping schedules will continue to change so just be aware of that.

However, I love nap time and I'm home for it otherwise I would never have time to do anything at home. Don't listen to your family member.

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

My son required a set naptime every day and at 17 months that is still the case. I agree w/you 100% and my family had things to say too. I told them if they wanted to spend the night w/him then they could weigh in on his nap schedule but until then it was MY call.

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

I'm on your side. I make it a point to be home during the girls' naptimes--especially when they're infants. Some people don't like to interrupt the day like that, but I feel it's important to establish a good routine.

My girls are FANTASTIC sleepers and they always have been...my DH thinks I'm a genius. I think it's a bit of luck, but I also think my adherence to the schedule helped tremendously. When they're a little bit older, I can be flexible on occasions but I still prefer to be home during naps.

Don't listen to that person if what you're doing is working for you!

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

hmmm. i don't know that i'm any help since this is all new to me too. I stick to the bedtime routine/schedule like clockwork but we pretty much let dd pick her own nap times. She's been sleeping later now in the a.m. so she doesnt nap until later too, however, DD almost ALWAYS falls asleep in the car? Does Emma sleep in car?

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

you're not wrong at all. you have to work to establish a routine that works for dd and the rest of your family, even if that means working around dd's naptime.

this family member does not live your life. if she's going to give you a hard time i would invite HER to take care of your cranky daughter at night when she doesn't sleep well. that should put her in her place


stand your ground. it's your child and your life!!

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

Some people definitely believe that children need to the flexible ones with their naps. I've heard lots of talk about how kids should be able to sleep anywhere and people don't let the baby dictate their schedule.

I have the opposite belief. I work on a schedule and it works for us. I won't take DD out if it is her nap time. If it is her bed time and we are out, we go home. It doesn't bother me at all. If I am going to be out passed her bed time, we'll get a sitter.

That being said...DD is a very light sleeper also. We use a white noise machine and music (until DH and I go to bed at night). Her white noise machine is always on when she's napping though.

Message edited 1/25/2008 10:15:43 AM.

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

You have to do what works for YOU and YOUR DD not for anyone else. DD is good as she will nap in her car seat which makes it easy to do errands I will be in trouble when she outgrows it in the next few months. If the naptime bothers you could you try to move it up slowly each day by 10 or 15 mins until she naps at a better time for you. Otherwise I wouldn't change her schedule just to suit others.

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

What the hell is in the water this week

Dana i'm so sorry

You are the mommy, you make the decisions what right for your child and your family

No one else has that rite, and if they have something to say about, just stick your ground and never second guess.

They're not the one who has to deal with a cranky fussy baby who missed their nap, or a baby who wakes up every 2 hours in the middle of the night.

My response to rude family members who said that was-okay fine, but she's sleeping at your house tonight and you can get up with her and deal with it.

Some of My family actually wanted me to WAKE my 1st dd up when she was napping so they could see/hold her...ugh NO!

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

Is it that she thinks you should be getting the baby to sleep in different places like a stroller or carseat or is it that she is commenting on the time? I have always been one for taking them out if I need to and have had them all sleep in strollers at times. But....if I can be home for my DS (who is the only one who naps anymore around here) to sleep in his crib, I do it. Once they lose the 2nd nap, they usually go down for their one nap after lunch anyway. Not all babies, but most. I think it's good if they get use to noise during the day and do have the ability to sleep elsewhere but I still think the crib is best for a nice restful sleep.

That's my opinion based on what I have done. With that said, why do people care what other people do when it comes to their kids? You're certainly not the first person to do it like you are doing...and it's not like you are doing it "wrong", it's what works for you and your child. God I so dislike when people think they know so much more than a new parent...I remember those types of comments from when my first born was small.

Keep doing what works for you and DD. Try not to let the unsolicited opinions bother you.

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

You have to do what works for you, who cares what anybody else says!

My DS has a routine and I know if he is tired and looking to go down for nap at a certain time I dont go out with him. I normally put him down and go out after he is awake. When DS was 4mths he would sleep anywhere, so if I was out shopping he didnt have a problem sleeping in his carriage. I try to just go with the flow.

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

Thanks everyone.

She will fall asleep in her carseat sometimes but it doesn't last long. If she was a heavier sleeper, I would certainly like to get her used to other places but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes to stick to a routine!

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

I totally agree with you. Nap time during the day is very important to a baby, You are right to stick to your routine. I am reading this book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and he talks a lot about not disrupting a child's nap time, and how they should be still when they sleep. It is a really great book. I think you would like it.

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

Re: Honestly, am I wrong?

You can't be wrong. She is your child so your parenting style, rules apply. Some people think they know everything - I would just ignore them.