Haven't read replies yet, but I'll tell you how things have worked out for us.
#1 was a terrible napper, staying home to try and work out a schedule clearly didn't work, it was much better to get out and cope with him sleeping as and when, but either way it was hard. In the summer, going for a walk at the right time was a good approach to any kind of schedule, he didn't tie us down, but it wasn't because we didn't let him, but because it turned out to be pointless!
#2 popped out with a watch on and a book in her hand, probably one from the 50s! Apparently it told her that long naps in the afternoon and outside were the best thing for babies, so that was what she did and continued to do for almost 4 years and that did tie us down, I could work around it for week to week stuff, pick groups or classes that were in the morning, that kind of thing, but it was really hard for holidays or visitors, we live 5000 miles away from family, so visits are infrequent and long and it was frustrating for both me and my parents that they'd end up taking DS out whilst I was at home on nap duty, because when we tried to push it later by more than about half an hour, everything would go wrong.
#3 doesn't have a choice, want to nap mid afternoon, tough, big bro needs picking up from school, she's more like #1, but not as extreme, she can cope with lack of schedule, but would probably benefit from it too. Having older kids reminds us that babies are more portable, the older kids may not nap, but they need to go to bed and aren't welcome at all possible evening plans, whereas babes in arms are welcome almost everywhere.
#1 was a terrible napper, staying home to try and work out a schedule clearly didn't work, it was much better to get out and cope with him sleeping as and when, but either way it was hard. In the summer, going for a walk at the right time was a good approach to any kind of schedule, he didn't tie us down, but it wasn't because we didn't let him, but because it turned out to be pointless!
#2 popped out with a watch on and a book in her hand, probably one from the 50s! Apparently it told her that long naps in the afternoon and outside were the best thing for babies, so that was what she did and continued to do for almost 4 years and that did tie us down, I could work around it for week to week stuff, pick groups or classes that were in the morning, that kind of thing, but it was really hard for holidays or visitors, we live 5000 miles away from family, so visits are infrequent and long and it was frustrating for both me and my parents that they'd end up taking DS out whilst I was at home on nap duty, because when we tried to push it later by more than about half an hour, everything would go wrong.
#3 doesn't have a choice, want to nap mid afternoon, tough, big bro needs picking up from school, she's more like #1, but not as extreme, she can cope with lack of schedule, but would probably benefit from it too. Having older kids reminds us that babies are more portable, the older kids may not nap, but they need to go to bed and aren't welcome at all possible evening plans, whereas babes in arms are welcome almost everywhere.
The nurse said, "just go about your day and let it go." I had no idea what she meant! Ha! But I finally relaxed at some point and things got better. Good luck! Mary
