how do you get a 2 1/2 yr old to nap while caring for newborn?

Kristina - posted on 01/13/2010

My little guy stopped taking naps at 2. It was just a battle and he only slept for 20 min after screaming for 45min. It was not worth the battle. I watch three other children and at that time they all took naps. I started taking out puzzles,coloring books, and other quiet activities for him. So that I could get the other kids napping. He did go to bed really early for about a three weeks and then started to get later. So there were times when his dinner was 4:45- 5 while the rest of us ate at 6. He still takes cat naps in the car. We are expecting a baby in June so it will be interesting to see how our little guy will react and how schedules will change,when the baby arrives.

Meaghn - posted on 01/01/2010

I just stuck to our normal routine, and did little things, like "if you stay in bed, I'll leave the door open, but if you get up, I'm closing the door" Or lately, "you don't have to go to sleep, sweetie, just lay down for a couple minutes of quiet time" and of course she falls asleep in nothing flat.

Jane - posted on 12/31/2009

hi stepanie, doesn't this suck?! it was my nightmare every day for a while after we had our second. 18 months apart. 1st of all, it was gonna be like this somewhat anyway whether you had a second baby or not, it's just the stage of the older one. plus all of the uncertainty in their little life now that you've had another makes for endless fun for you! so, she's 2 plus she wants to be sure she still fits in the family with her new sibling in the spotlight. i found that if i could get the 2 yr old asleep, kind of out of the way, then things went smoother. and i found that if they're both crying, then put the baby in the crib, and get the 2 yr old to fall asleep. it's tough. it drove me batty. i'm not a fan of letting my kids cry unless they're older and being bratty and aren't in any danger or pain, just haven't gotten what they want. the 2 yr old will soon learn to sleep thru the crying anyway so try settling her down and read a quick book and then tell her it's quiet time, you have to check on the baby and we're all going to take a nap. she wants to know she's still important to you, you need to try to make extra moments with her, not that it's easy to do. have her bring you diapers for the baby, pj's for the baby, give her a little purpose in the day so she feels important and that she' helping. i made the mistake of trying to keep them apart at the start and it made things worse. you can try laying w/them both in your bed and see if that doesn't get everyone to sleep. i did that for a bit, it was hell at times, but eventually they both fell asleep and i'd put them in their own beds if i weren't too exhausted and not asleep myself. see if you can't do bedtime w/her one-on-one and make it a bit more special while hubby takes care of baby. read some books, get cozy, tell her how proud you are of her for being a good sister, etc. it definitely helps if you can get the 2 yr old settled in first.
good luck!

Jen - posted on 12/30/2009

My 2-1/2 yr old's nap routine is....about 1:30 I tell him to finish up playing cause it's almost time for a quick snooze. Some where around 2pm I tell him to get his stuffy and climb up on the couch. He has to stay on the couch whether he sleeps or not (99% of the time he does). I usually have something quiet on tv...usually my soaps or some other talk show type thing that's super boring to him. At first I would lay with him on the couch, then i moved to the chair or the other couch. Now I just have to tell him it's time and he jumps up on his own and is usually sleeping within 15 minutes or so.



Basically you just need to find a nap routine that works for your 2 yr old. He used to nap at 12:30...but now he's not tired enough for a nap until at least 1:30, usually 2pm. I try to not let him nap past 3:30...otherwise bedtime is a nightmare.

Julia - posted on 12/29/2009

Hi Stephanie, I am starting to juggle that myself. My 1st son is 2.5 years and my new born is 20 days. I get the both of them down by 3 usually everyday and my 2.5 year old will sleep for 2 hours. My newborn is verrrry needy right now and hates to be put down. I actually cuddle with the 2 of them on the couch. I know this will sound silly but I put on Desperate Housewives and have one son lay on my left side on the couch and the newborn lays on my chest. We all kind of lay there together. (I chose D.H. because my 2yr old gets bored and doesn't stay awake very long) My point is, whatever you can do to get them down works. Who says they have to sleep in their beds from 12 to 2. i'm pretty sure u won't find a parenting book suggest to fall asleep to D.H. but it works and I get peace with both asleep. what did you used to do with your daughter before the baby came? My 1st son liked to cuddle before the new baby which is probably why he transitioned so well. Good luck!

Dana - posted on 12/29/2009

i wld let her sleep with you while the baby sleeps.even if you have to sleep in her room with her. she may just want to get attention from you. this way you get the rest you deserve too.