I know a lot of us have been talking about slowing down to appreciate the small things in life. I think slowing down is also really important in the first few months of a baby's life. I stumbled upon this article concerning naps and wanted to share the wealth. This article discusses Dr. Polly Moore's new book,
"The 90-minute Baby Sleep program:Follow Your Child's Natural Sleep Rhythms for Better Nights and Naps"Dr. Moore goes into 90 minute sleep/alert cycles and the importance of protecting the sleep of our babies.
Eliza took a lot of naps when she was little- and still does. She always went down about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs after waking. I knew she was getting cranky and saw no point in keeping her up. The more tired she became the less she slept- during the day and at night. I think it is a shame when new parents keep up a busy schedule even with a new baby. On Christmas Day, I think my relatives thought the hubs and I were a little nutty when we strictly adhered to her nap schedule. We really believed in her need for sleep. I did not want an overstimulated baby. Eliza is easily stimulated to begin with- without the hustle and bustle of a crowded party.
I really believe babies need scheduled sleep in those early days. This is one reason I did not want her in day care- I would lose control of her sleep. In these early months babies do so much growing and they need to recharge. I agree 100% with this article. We do need to stop worrying about our busy schedules and protect the sleep of our babies.
8 comments:
I'm with you!
as you've read on my blog, I agree wholeheartedly that naps are important... to this day Blake still wants to nap 2 hours after he gets up in the morning and sleeps for 2-3 hrs and then gets up and goes back down about 3hrs later for another 1.5-2hr nap. I am very strict about trying to stick to his nap schedule and I think that has played a big roll in why he is as healthy as he is... and has been
Long live the nap! It's a good thing - healthy-wise for kids AND their parents!
Naps are great! I just took one a few hours ago :)
I am so with you. I never fully understood all the fuss about naps, and why parents could be so vigilant. I get it now! I will work plans all around his nap schedule!
J goes for his morning nap about an 1-1.5 after waking (for about an hour). He then goes down about 3-3.5 hours later for another 2 hours. If we are off or if we miss it . . . we are in TROUBLE!!!
I totally agree with you! People don't realize that the more tired that babies get, the LESS they will sleep! I get panicky if we're away from the house around nap time on the weekends! Thanks for adding Heavenly Hold!
I absolutely agree with you! Madison is over 3 and I'm still very strict with her nap schedule. I know it puts some people out when we are late to parties or if we have to pass on going out but is way better than dealing with the rath of a no naptime Madison.
I am with you 100%. I have always been a schedule person, and like you, get weird looks when we refused to do anything during our kids naps. My eldest is 5 years old, and she still has to rest in the afternoons for at least 1 hour. She doesn't have to sleep any more, but she has to have down time. It is good to recharge them! My two little ones take 3 hour naps at the same time every afternoon and go to bed the same time every night. Routine is what babies need and crave! Good for you!
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