12 week old nap habits

[Liza55]

My 12 week old daughter sleeps wonderfully at night in our bed. Naps during the day, however, are awful! She falls asleep ok,usually after feeding, but then is back up anywhere from 15- 30 mins. later. I've tried to rock her back to sleep, cry it out, etc. and we just keep doing the same thing everyday. What are the normal nap patterns of a 3 month old? I can't imagine it's a couple 30 mins naps and that's all. I just got the ($$) Amby baby bed today. Any thoughts on getting her on a normal nap schedule? I need that time alone!!

[mandymoo1983]

i have a 12 week old as well and beleive me sleeping patterns will vary from day to day they are definatly to young to have a routine or pattern of any sort just yet my first dd was around 8 months when she started developing a normal sleep pattern.
as you no it could be one of 100 things why she is doing this wind hunger ect maybe she sleeps to long at night time my dd sleeps around 10 hours already without fail but during the day sometimes she will not nap and other days she sleeps all day its whatever goes when there this age enjoy your baby daughter good luck.

[HIS GIFT TO US]

I have no ideal!!! LOL I just wanted to say thats awesome that she sleeps well at night. My DS never liked to sleep at night (up every 2hrs for MILK) or during the day. He was a great infant as long as we held him :) The only way he would take a nap a little better was to lay him on his stomach (he rolled over at 6wks so the Dr said it was fine) He hated sleeping on his back. I'm pg now so I'm praying this baby will sleep better. Enjoy the night sleep :) LOL It took him til he was about 18mo old to sleep all night long!!!!!

[siren of the sea]

if you have the time and energy you have to help by keeping them up longer. when you are ready for them to take a nap then put them down. it will take some getting used to but it will help. at least your getting your nightly sleep!

[mumwith#4]

It sounds to me like she is actually 'snacking' during the day with her feeding. My first baby (DD) did the exact same thing. I know it sounds harsh but there is no harm in letting them cry for a little bit longer - they can sometimes put themselves back to sleep and also sometimes they need to cry out any excess energy they have. If you do get her up, perhaps you could try and delay feeding her for some time so that she gets really hungry, gets her fill and can then go back to sleep. On a lighter note, better that it's during the day then during the night I say!!!

[amy524]

My DD was the same way, but her short naps were due to uncontrolled acid reflux.  Poor girl would wake up in pain and not be able to shut back down to fall asleep again.  (A baby's natural sleep cycle is only about 30 minutes long)  Her short naps were not nearly long enough for her so I had an overtired cranky baby all day.  Around 4 months old, we got her on the correct medicine and dosage and NOW she takes 3-4 two hour long naps a day!  (she's 5 months old now) WHEW!  

Does your baby act like those "short" naps are enough?  You might just have a baby that doesn't need as much sleep??  

I know everyone keeps saying "be glad she sleeps at night"...which is wonderful...but I know that doesn't make you feel any better.  My doctor told me that it IS possible to at least try a schedule that early.  Take a few days to figure out the times that baby seems to be tired and just start laying em down at the same time everyday.  The doctor said to give it a good week or two of trying that before we give up and say it doesn't work.  Maybe that will help?  My saving grace as far as schedule goes was to take her to daycare.  It was so sad to go back to work, but she DOES have a routine at daycare/home now and it's wonderful to "know" what to expect.

GOOD LUCK! - Amy

Mandymoo- I talked with you about a month ago about us both possibly being pregnant very quickly after giving birth.  AF arrived in full force for me.........how about you?

[jd1419]

If you are comfortable enough with putting her to sleep on her stomach during the day do it.  I did this for that is the only way my son would sleep.  I would rollthe bassinet out in the living room while I laid on the couch for my rest.  He would take a three hour nap in the afternoon.  Was able to get much done and still rest.  This was when he was a newborn.  He still loves to sleep on his tummy and he is two.

[myproblem]

Until my daughter was about 4-5 mos., she would only nap in her swing, not in her bed. I had no trouble getting her to sleep in her own bed most nights though. If your baby is used to sleeping "in" your bed with you at night, that could be the problem. Try putting a warm water bottle wrapped in something that smells like you next to her in her bed. There are also stuffed animals that make heartbeat sounds. That might comfort her as well.

[Crritter]

My son never slept well.  He was colicky and up most of the night crying.  He also took quick cat naps in the daytime.  His Dr. said some babies just don't need as much sleep as others, he would be fine as soon as he woke up.  I think I was the only one who suffered.  Their patterns change so much, hopefully you'll get a longer break soon.  My son would take longer naps right before a big growth spurt, but still would not go even a full hour.  He's now 3 and still the same.

[Liza55]

Thanks so much everyone. Sounds as though I'll just have to keep checking what may work for us. The Amby bed did seem to help so far, plus (Amy) I will start looking for her natural sleepy times. The nights are her up every 3-4 hrs to feed, but then right back to sleep. I am grateful, but carrying and entertaining a 3 month old from 7a- 8pm is very exhausting mentally!!! Thanks again all!