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[Beckily]

I think I've posted under a similar title two other times.

I'm having a theory, want some input.

Others have said that their babies are fighting sleep (and posting video and it's SO CUTE). Charlie doesn't do this. When he can't sleep, he gets very frustrated, but he tries really hard to sleep - I now solve his frustration by laying him on me, with my knees up (with his feet in my face these days, he's so long!) and rubbing his feet - he passes out pretty quick.

The thought is always that they fight sleep because they're not wanting to miss anything.

So Charlie still takes 99% of naps on someone - mostly me, sometimes Dusty or my mom. So he knows he isn't missing anything. He's never in a room by himself while he sleeps, he's always out with everyone else.

Do you guys think that this might be the reason he's a good sleeper or is it that he's just awesome?

I do not advocate holding them through all naps - my butt hurts from sitting in this chair so much and most people actually have things to do with their lives. Just.. I do it, and wonder :)

I also evilly had Dusty record a diaper change because he usually just lays there and smiles while we do it. Sometimes he tries to roll, but diaper changes are easy, too.

[cat13]

That might be it for Charlie, but I guess it's so dependent on their personality and what's going on in their little brains and bodies at the time. 

Last night was ROUGH getting River to bed. He was super sleepy at 6:30, and I would have preferred he stay up later, but you can't argue with a cranky baby. He was eye rubbing, crying, thrashing, yelling, grunting...so... I did my thing of nursing/swaying/walking/singing. He can't get to sleep if we are still. 15 min later, lay down, stay there for 5 min to be sure he's asleep, and sneak away. 15 min later he's awake, but SOOO tired. He's crawling on the bed and crying, but keeps falling on his face and laying there wimpering. So, I decided to just wear him in the sling. I figured he can just sleep or hang or whatever while we eat dinner (which was cold on the counter). Nope, he was crying so loud and pushing out of the sling. Papa's turn: gave him some teething tablets, put River on his shoulder and rocked in the dark by the stove fan until he fell asleep. Successful transfer to bed, 15 min later... wake up! This time I nursed him back down and just stayed in bed with him with the laptop. Who needs to do dishes or laundry or all those chores I was going do do? He also woke up about 6 times last night to nurse and was crying loudly each time, when usually he just wimpers until I pop the boob in. Sometime around 2 I gave him some Ibuprofin but it didn't seem to do anything, so I don't get the feeling he was in pain.

This morning? Happiest baby on earth! He wakes up and starts to crawl and headbutt us until we wake up... our sweet little ram.

I know it's just a stage... it's just a stage.. it's just a stage......

[Beckily]

I think i'm just hoping like mad that we're going to skip that one. sounds awful. i'm glad he's happy in the morning, though! when did he wake up?

[cat13]

5. It was DH's turn to do the early wake up, we trade off. I don't have to get up for work until 6, so I got a blessed 1 hour of sleep all by myself in the bed! Kinda makes up for the crazy night. :)

[Beckily]

nice! i never get a break, that must be wonderful :-)

i jinxed it. he's a fusspot today AND suddenly really mobile. sigh.

not terribly, but noticably. 

[Baby_Cakes]

I too think it's personality.  

When Finn sleeps on me (which is rare, I'll admit) he might sleep for 45 min or once sleep cycle.  In his crib he'll sleep a lot longer, at least an hour, usually 2.

I think it does have to do with this increased awareness of what is going on, and not wanting to miss a thing.  It's a tough choice.  I choose not to hold him for his naps b/c I do have an older child to take care of.  I need to do other things with her and don't always have the freedom to just sit while he sleeps.

But if you don't have anyone else to take care of I think it's a wonderful thing to be able to do!

Also, once Finn's eyes clothes and he's resigned himself that yeah, it's nap time and Mom isn't giving up, he falls asleep hard and fast.  It's like it always was, just with the added bonus of the wrestling match for the first 10 minutes, lol.

Can I ask what you plan to do, Becky, as he gets older?  I mean, are you going to attempt to get him down and sneak away?  I can't see you sitting in that chair for 3 or 4 years while he naps.  

[Beckily]

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

I too think it's personality.  

When Finn sleeps on me (which is rare, I'll admit) he might sleep for 45 min or once sleep cycle.  In his crib he'll sleep a lot longer, at least an hour, usually 2.

I think it does have to do with this increased awareness of what is going on, and not wanting to miss a thing.  It's a tough choice.  I choose not to hold him for his naps b/c I do have an older child to take care of.  I need to do other things with her and don't always have the freedom to just sit while he sleeps.

But if you don't have anyone else to take care of I think it's a wonderful thing to be able to do!

Also, once Finn's eyes clothes and he's resigned himself that yeah, it's nap time and Mom isn't giving up, he falls asleep hard and fast.  It's like it always was, just with the added bonus of the wrestling match for the first 10 minutes, lol.

Can I ask what you plan to do, Becky, as he gets older?  I mean, are you going to attempt to get him down and sneak away?  I can't see you sitting in that chair for 3 or 4 years while he naps.  

I have no idea :D

He's easier these days, while asleep. I can move him if needed. We've put a blanket down in here and had him sleeping on it before. Or I could put him in bed.

I have no plans!

[Lynann]

I would also say its a personality thing. Some are sleepers and some are not. Some take long naps and some just cat nap and some don't nap at all. Sounds like you have a sleeper and a napper on your hands Becky. I also think its great that he will sleep on you, and that you can just snuggle up with him for naps.

Like Carrie I have an older child that doesn't nap as much and needs some Mama time to himself. Saying that both of my boys sleep and nap really well and only do so in their cribs. They both have their father's sleep personality rather than mine, but I know that is a good thing as I've never been a napper and I can't even begin to imagine trying to get through a day without nap time.

[Beckily]

Yup, sounds like it. I'm so grateful to him for his fabulous habits! :D