I NEED a nap...but the kids aren't tired...

[Om Girl]

I have 2 yo DD and 4 mo old babe that we watch in home for my best friend. I'm exhausted today and need a nap, DD NEEDS a nap, but isn't tired and the baby won't nap.
Just needed to vent, what do you mamas of 2 do about naps?

[nolansmummy]

Every day i : that they both want naps at the same time. My ds usually takes his nap at 2:30 (he just went down), and sleeps or stays in the bedroom until around 4. Typicallly if i time it right, dd will also sleep at least a little bit during that time. That said, dd is wide awake right now, and i don't see her sleeping for awhile.

[lilyka]

if they are old enough to not need 100% constant care (like a four month old) I turn on the TV, give a couple juice cups (juice is a huge treat around here) and sleep in the same room as them. usually by the time they are18-24 months this would uy me a a half hour to an hour. as they got older this could buy me as many as 2-3 hours of in and out napping.

[nolansmummy]

I wanted to come back because i noticed your kids are a bit younger than mine are. I would suggest what the pp said. Lay down in a room with a door, with the babe while they sleep, the 2 year old can be occupied with anything you wish-juice, tv, a movie, a special toy, whatever you feel comfortable with. You will at least be able to rest, which is better than nothing sometimes. I have done this lately. I'll go lay down on my sons bed, close the door, and let the two play on me. I know they are safe since the room is child proofed, plus i'm not in a super deep sleep since they are in there making noise. It helps on those days when i just can't keep my eyes open one more second.

[mommyofshmoo]

I used to nap on the couch while my 3 year old and baby played, or hung out (babies under 6 moths don't really play I suppose;-) all the time. By "nap" I mean lie down, close my eyes and rest for about 20 minutes. During a 20 minute nap, you don't really "sleep", or at least, you don't fall deeply asleep, but it is refreshing.

(I read all about this doing research for naps for an old job of mine.)

I might not nap if it was a friends' baby, just because I'd be extra vigilant, but I think napping on the couch while kids play is fine. If someone started crying you'd wake up.