I have an eight and a half month old breastfed son who has had sleep problems from day one, well maybe not day one, but definitely week one. After lots of work and consulting two sleep specialists, we finally have him sleeping through the night (for the most part) YAY! He never napped well, but we could always count on him taking at least 3 naps usually about 30 min long at daycare. Now, he refuses to nap at his babysitters at all, although he has been sleeping fine at home (meaning 1/2 hour naps, but at least it is something). He also had the bottle refusal issue at day care that was in a recent post, but that seems to have resolved itself of recent. Anyone have any ideas on the sleep issue? This happened after our babysitter was on vacation for a week and then he was sick, but he has been well and back at day care for two full weeks now. Any ideas? I am at a loss to help her, since he is doing fine at home and we haven't changed any of the routines (and she says she hasn't either).
Babies will always mess with your schedules. Stop worrying... if he's healthy-- he'll be fine and sleep when he's tired.
Did you know that 80% of parents of 1 year olds think that their kid has a sleep problem? Maybe it's not really a problem- it's normal.
My kids went and are still going through phases where their sleep patterns change.
if he's growing, hitting milestones, healthy-- don't worry
I know state law requires naps but in this case sounds like the baby just isn't tired and babysitter either wants time to herself and doesn't get it so counted on that and/or he is unhappy while he is not napping. Sounds like she just wants the free time as an eight month old is not devious enough in my opinion to try on purpose to keep someone else occupied. Since he is fine at home there is obviously nothing happening physically like coincidentally having teething pain or gas at that nap time. So, perhaps baby is anxious babysitter will leave again and so tries not to sleep. Maybe baby just got into a different scheduling. Are you and I able to sleep at will all the time? I like your wording, you are 'at a loss to help her' I think if she needs the baby to take a nap at that time and this is only an eight month old then perhaps you need to look for another babysitter.She can let the baby rest peacefully without sleeping. If that is a problem: She can give the baby some extra love and attention while he is settling back into normal. I always hated this 'required' nap stuff. My son said he used to pretend like he was asleep (I know he was a little older at a preschool) but I really think it's more for the adults than the children sometimes. I didn't hear what kind of babysitting situation this is a home or a daycare? If there are other parents find out what's going on. I am sure the babysitter is fine, but perhaps they changed snack schedule for instance and tummies are full. Or they cut back on bottle time before naps so diapers don't have to be changed as much. Or there are new children who require more care. Who knows. Sounds like the babysitter will have to work on this herself. You might also find by this writing that it is just something that was very temporary and all is well. Hug the baby for us. S.
Hi L., I don't have much advice to give, but I just wanted to let you know that my daughter sounds very similar to your son. She turned 5 years old yesterday and is a wonderful, joyous child that just doesn't need a lot of sleep. When she was 7 months old, I brought her to the doctor and told them that she refused to nap. Their response was, "that happens with some kids". So as the years have gone by she actually just never napped. I could get her to fall asleep on a car ride after a really exciting day but otherwise- nothing. Although I have been envious of moms who had kids who napped routinely, that is just how she is. As far as my doctors were concerned, some kids- even really young -just don't do naps. Best of Luck, S.
Are there other children at your babysitters'? He might just be so stimulated there that he isn't wanting to fall asleep. Have her try more soothing before nap time. (Dark quiet room, read a book, sing a song, etc.) Also, he may be ready for 2 naps a day instead of 3. Have her try putting him down a little later in the morning.
My daughter was like this also. She just never needed much sleep. As an infant she slept a total of 9-10 hours a day - about 8 at night and a couple of 20 minute cat naps through the daytime. And trust me - we did EVERYTHING we could think of to induce sleep. She gave up naps after the one year mark. We could get her to nap EVENTUALLY (after hours of putting her back in her room), but then she slept less at night. She still sleeps about 9 hours at age 10! The key in this situation is your childs behavior. If he is out of sorts alot, then it might be something to keep working at. If he seems happy and well adjusted, then you might have to accept that he is one of those people that don't need as much sleep. Good Luck!
it could honestly be that he just needs less sleep. how is he when he doesn't have the naps?
Probably too much going on at daycare and he doesn't want to miss anything. Unless she can get him into a really quite room...I'm not sure there is anything she can do.
