I’ve been asked about my secrets on how to get babies and toddlers to sleep/take naps. I’m not sure it’s really a secret.. it’s more of an attitude, I think. With babies, if you just make sure they’re comfortable prior (ie: fed, changed, cuddled) and then lay them down, in their own crib or little infant seat, with all the things they need to be comfortable (ie: soft, cuddly blanket, pacifier) and make this a routine, it won’t be long before they’ll be sleeping peacefully and on a regular basis. I’ve found that newborns and tiny babies love the close, cuddly feeling of their little infant seat/car seat and actually sleep better for me in those than in the crib. Plus they’re elevated so i feel more comfortable as well. (safer in case they spit up)
Once they become a older, I think basically it’s just the attitude of, this is how it is.. it’s nap time or it’s bed time and if the adult is confident in their position as the parent, (or care taker) then I believe the child respects that and follows that. If we allow the child to be in control, that’s when we have problems. I care for all my kids with loving firmness and a positive attitude… they know they’re loved and they know I’m in charge and they trust that I will keep them cared for and safe. So when it’s nap time, it’s just a very positive, “this is how it is” type of thing. It’s not open for discussion so to speak. We always have our routines too.. I find that children like that; a book, a drink of water, 10 more minutes of play before I lay down… whatever you find that seems fun to your child~ it gives them a sense of…. I don’t know how to explain it but it just helps! 🙂 There are some kids around that age of… “oh, I can stand up now, I think I’ll stand up in my crib and play rather than sleep”….. who will do just that…stand up and play rather than sleep, but as long as I am consistent in returning to the room right away, laying them down (each time) and letting them know, this is sleep time, within a few days (maybe a week) we get through that transition as well. Each stage is a new challenge… you just have to be up for it…
