Hi, I am a mom of twin 11 month olds. I am going to have to take them to daycare for the first time next month. Right now they take a much needed hour nap btwn 9-10 am and then again at 1-3 pm. The daycares only let them nap once from 12:30-2:30pm.
I know my kids. They get so cranky and hyperactive from lack of sleep. I hate that I have to eliminate that nap. Any comments or suggestions on how to do it smoothly.
T., it's funny you say that....I felt the same way about my daughter when I had to take her for the first time. I still just kept her on two naps a day at home, but let her go with the flow at school. The reality is that there's so much stimulation at daycare, they won't take two naps...just plan on them going to bed earlier than usual on those nights.
I would check around at other daycares as well. We use Penn Children Center and for 11 month olds, they should be able to nap whenever they want/need to.
T.,
Don't worry at all. I worked in childcare for years and they will work it out themselves. They are going to be so busy with all the stuff going on and new things to explore, they will adjust their schedules to what's going on areound them. It will be an adjustment period for all and they will probably change their nighttime routine(going to bed earlier, sleeping longer, etc)but don't fret about it now. Enjoy your time with them a home and remember a lot can change in a month. The daycare has dealt with this situation with every child and they can't force a child to nap or stay up. They will put your babies down for a nap if they are really tired. But rest assure that the 2 of them will adjust to whats going on around them very quickly. Good luck!
Hi! I'm a pediatric nurse and mommy-of-three from Children's Hospital.
First off, I am concerned that your daycare is insisting on "scheduling" only one nap for babies that young. It's better to find a daycare that will respect each child's need for sleep. They will definitely still need their naps! As you already know, (most) babies this age cannot function for that long, especially if they are up earlier due to getting ready for daycare. It is not good to force sleep schedules if at all possible.
I know this is a hard place for you to be in, since it sounds like you are committed to go there, but I think a meeting with the director would be a great idea.
Hi T..... your twins naptime may just naturally shift to the day care schedule after lunch and then they can pick up that second shorter nap when you get home from work. I remember when my boys were young and I was teaching, it was great because they would do their second nap from 4-5 or so and I could start dinner etc. Hopefully it will be a natural shift for them and you. Good luck.
B.
Naps should not be regulated. They should be free flowing for a 1 year old. My daughter cannot function without her two naps (at the same times as your babies). I would find another facility.
I'd also look for a new daycare. They need that sleep and not getting it could effect their nighttime sleep as well. I just don't understand daycares that do that.
This may sound harsh BUT I have found when you are paying a daycare or nanny to provide care to the children they are usually accostomed to handling the crankiness anad cries. I say let the childcare center worry themselves over it and you maintain your sanity by allowing them to nap until that day comes. Within a week they'll be adjusted ( hopefully before the weekend arrives ).
I agree with the others. The facility should not regulate the nap at this age, including the afternoon nap. When they are 18 mos - 2 yrs. and move up to the next level that is when it becomes more structured. Sorry to say but you should find a new day care facility. Good luck.
IMHO I would look for another day care facility. The center I use never limited nap time until they were over 2 years when most babies/ toddlers have already outgrown the need for 2 naps.
