When Holden was six months old, we were still doing about 3 to 4 naps each day. But once in a while, Holden would have an I-hate-Mondays and I-won’t-nap-for-you protest thing. After the requisite nap routine (dim lights, cuddle, story, milk), fussing, talking, diaper “situations”, I often gave up and played with him for a bit. But I still had REST on the brain.
Poor little guy, he thinks we're gonna play
When it was clear to me that he was still sleepy — like every time — I would try the stealth-swing nap move (in total violation of our established nap procedures):
- Put him in the swing like he’s going to play
- Turn on lights and music to hypnotize us both
- Give him toy to hold onto (optional, since he grabbed the rings on swing)
- Darken room lights, tip-toe away, hide in another room
The swing pictured is a portable swing that can easily go from room to room (or even pack up on a visit). It’s pretty handy. Whitney loaned me hers and I kept it forever. We also love the side-to-side swing it for front to back and side to side swinging action. Don’t be afraid to find these used on Craig’s list.
For other tips on gear to get and gear to borrow, see our super practical Rookie Moms’ nursery list.
Holden is not looking very sleepy in that picture. Uh oh. Bijou is giving up her nap now at nearly 4. I feel lucky it lasted 4 years but I’m still not ready for her to give it up.
My baby was mobile at an early age and hated her swing from about 4 months on. So I put it away! And since 3 months she only took 2 naps a day, max three! But she’s been sleeping through the night consistently for the last 3 months, so I won’t complain about her two (very short) naps during the day! (She’s now 6 months old.)
I loved the swing when my son was little and not wanting to nap in his crib (which was never, I am not sure why we even bought it). If he wasn’t going to nap, I would simply put him in it, tuck him in, turn on the music, and let him play until the vibrate/swing thing got him droopy. Then I had half an hour to do dishes and fold laundry! It was great!
a-ha! very similar to the ‘lets go for a walk’ strategy when nearlyMabel is pulling the same ‘me? what? why would i need to sleep?’ trick while her eyes are hanging out of her head. 2 minutes down the road she’s fast asleep, i get fresh air and we both come home feeling much better.
Mason was never into the swing, the little rascal. The only thing that works for us is me having to lie down with him like I’m taking a nap too, waiting until he falls asleep, and then sneaking out of the room.
Really? And that worked? Just like that? Wow. I wish I had known this trick about a year ago. Heck, if I can find a swing big enough, it may actually work now! He still fights the naps – and I end up either walking, driving or sleeping with him!
And seriously – that pic is hysterical.
the swing is our ‘god’! our son (4 months) sleeps 12+ hours at night but really only naps in the swing. he’ll nap for 2-3 hours in the side to side motion swing. it’s huge and not portable but we are considering getting another one juse like it from craigslist for nana’s house. i was staring to get worried that he’ll get too used to the swing for naps, but someone told me they had their kid in the swing until 1 yr old….