How do I get my baby to sleep better during the day?

Reese - posted on 08/02/2011

I didn't read the other replies, so I might be repeating some advice.
The noisemaker shutting off after 45 minutes may be a problem. Generally if a baby awakens during a nap or nighttime sleep they need the same things that helped them get to sleep in order to fall back asleep. Plus, if it shuts off suddenly, it could be waking him up.
We have a white noise machine that is on all the time.
If swaddling or being held seems to work somewhat better, he might need that cozy closeness. Do you have an infant carrier or car seat? I had similar problems and started putting my son (5.5 months old) down to nap in that and it's been working pretty great, as you can read here: http://ohbuoyancy.net/2011/07/25/a-place...

Tanya - posted on 07/30/2011

@ Alison, Gabe does the same thing. He's always rubbing at his eyes and pulling at his ears. He only does these things when he's overtired. Maybe he would go down better if I put him down sooner.

I get worried because even at 2 months, I would put him down and figure he'd fall asleep eventually. He would lie there for HOURS (not crying) and not fall asleep until I picked him up and rocked him. Once I picked him up he'd be asleep within 15-20 minutes. So different from my older son, who nursed to sleep (and stayed asleep) every time until he was 7 or 8 months, then still went down after nursing no problem.

Alison - posted on 07/30/2011

My son is 5 months old and I have found that you have to wear them out. He plays on the bouncer or playmat or jolly jumper or i entertain him. We use the feed/play/sleep method. He sleeps for two hours after every feed and we do the dream feed at night. We try to keep the noise at the same level throughout the day. He used to show signs of being tired - rubbing eyes etc but now i put him down after being awake for two hours.

Danyal 'Dani' - posted on 07/29/2011

My son is 5 months and doesn't always sleep well. I live in a noisy apartment complex so I leave a fan on for him. I have found that feeding him baby oatmeal has helped aid in a morning nap being taken. I then wear him out by interacting with him or letting him roll all over the floor. He really likes to go out where there are people. That in itself can wear my little guy out. Sometimes a walk has the same effect. good luck!

I know how frustrating it can be. I have found that feeding him oatmeal cereal in the morning and some puree at night have helped a lot in the sleep department.

Maxine - posted on 07/29/2011

I have two daughters, my youngest is also 5 months and she has become used to the noise in the house...it hasn't always been that way though! It may sound harsh but my partner and I used the cry it out method, it is really horrible having to listen to them cry and we hated every second of it however she has now learned that cot time is sleep time, hope this helps and wishing you lots of luck :-) x

Stephanie - posted on 07/28/2011

No, I don't pick up at all, as I don't' want to confuse her.. I just go in pat her say some comforting things and walk out.. I started out going in every 2 minutes or so.. Then made it longer and the first day I had to go in 10 or so times.. It was so difficult, But the next day it was only 3 or 4 and slowly got better.. :)

Tanya - posted on 07/26/2011

@Stephanie we don't use a pacifier but I think I know what you mean. You go in every 5 minutes so they know you're still there? You don't pick up at all? Or do you ease into it, at first picking up, then no longer.

Stephanie - posted on 07/26/2011

My daughter Charlotte was the same, and I went to sleep nursing her too, but after research I found out a baby will only go back to sleep if awaken the way he/she was put to bed. So I did the self soothing and would go in every 5 minutes pat and dummy, not sure if you use one. And it took 1 day and a half and she now will go to sleep if I put her in her cot wide awake, it's hard but worth it, I have a 9 yr old in the house who has no concept of a baby sleeping to so it is hard but it doesnt bother Baby anymore! Good luck :)

Trish - posted on 07/26/2011

I have to admit the only way to get Jodi to sleep during the day and at night to be honest is to swaddle her. Her pattern is rather hit and miss, but generally after 2 to 2 1/2 hours of being awake she's ready for a nap and usually sleeps between 1 to 2 hours. During the morning time it's not so bad, but in the afternoon naps are a non-starter as my elder two daughters and home and Jodi is to noisy to sleep.