Hello,
I have a daughter who is almost 8 1/2 months. This week, she has been resisting her morning nap. She just lays in her crib for like 40 minutes off and on playing and crying, but doesn't go to sleep. She does take an afternoon nap, but it's only for about 1 hour. I don't think this is enough sleep for her, but don't know what to do about it. She sleeps 10 hours at night (from 7/7:30 - 5/5:30). Is this too early to be dropping the morning nap?
It may be a little early for only one nap, but I would agree that you should let her be the guide. If she seems content in her crib in the mornings, she may just need a little down-time. I would say that if she is crying more than playing than she is probably ready to give it up.
It does seem early, but let her be the guide. If she doesn't seem tired at morning nap time, and seems well rested after her afternoon nap, maybe she's one of those babies that doesn't need lots of sleep. And you'll be one of those moms with little time to yourself :)
All kids are different & some require less sleep than others. If she seems tired than I would put her down for the am nap, if not than I would skip it. She may end up sleeping longer in the pm nap if she doesn't take one in the am. My daughter gave up her am nap at 9 months & gave up all naps at 22 months.
Hi M.,
I think it's a bit young to drop the morning nap, it usually happens closer to 12 months. I would start putting her to bed earlier at night...no later than 6:30, possibly earlier depending on when she woke from her second nap. Ideally you want closer to 12 hours at night.
I appreciate how its necessary to listen to our children's cues, but sleep is so important and so good for them. She's probably resisting sleeping because she wants to spend time with you which is understandable. But, you are her mother and you know what's best and if you feel she should still be taking that morning nap, I would work on it until it comes back.
Check out Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. It's not just about sleep training, but it helps with sleep problems (like reintroducing the nap) and offers guidelines as to at what ages children drop naps.
Hope this helps and good luck!!!
