Scheduled nap time for infants

"Do you spend a lot of time rocking them until they are asleep or something?
"

I guess I am. I don't always. If I take too long with one, another one
might fall asleep on the floor. I think I am just so worried that an awake
baby will wake the other ones up. For example, when Andy get's tired, he is
really cranky. We have put him down for a nap, and he will cry at the top
of his lungs for 1/2 hr. I couldn't put the other two down with that. The
only other option is to put him in a different room, and we are not set up
for something like that. We usually hold one until they are asleep or
almost asleep.

I would love to be able to just put them down in their crib and they lay
down and go to sleep. Maybe it's just being an inexperienced parent. I'm
afraid it would backfire.

"Missy in Indiana" wrote in message
...
I put one down, get the second
one down, but by the time I get the third one down, the first one is up.

I don't understand this. Do you spend a lot of time rocking them until
they
are asleep or something? I would just wait until they were somewhat tired
and
lay them both down at the exact same time. I'd rub their backs if (when)
they
began crying. I've heard a lot of positive (and I mean a lot) about
Ferber's
book. I personally didn't read it, but everything I've heard about his
techniques seem identical to what we did from recommendations of nurses
and
other parents. It may not be for you, but it also might be just what you
are
looking for.


Missy in Indiana http://hometown.aol.com/mhrust/overviewforng.html
Morgan Olivia & Julia Lucille 4/28/01 (YAY!)

"Do you spend a lot of time rocking them until they are asleep or something?
"

I guess I am. I don't always. If I take too long with one, another one
might fall asleep on the floor. I think I am just so worried that an awake
baby will wake the other ones up. For example, when Andy get's tired, he is
really cranky. We have put him down for a nap, and he will cry at the top
of his lungs for 1/2 hr. I couldn't put the other two down with that. The
only other option is to put him in a different room, and we are not set up
for something like that. We usually hold one until they are asleep or
almost asleep.

I would love to be able to just put them down in their crib and they lay
down and go to sleep. Maybe it's just being an inexperienced parent. I'm
afraid it would backfire.

"Missy in Indiana" wrote in message
...
I put one down, get the second
one down, but by the time I get the third one down, the first one is up.

I don't understand this. Do you spend a lot of time rocking them until
they
are asleep or something? I would just wait until they were somewhat tired
and
lay them both down at the exact same time. I'd rub their backs if (when)
they
began crying. I've heard a lot of positive (and I mean a lot) about
Ferber's
book. I personally didn't read it, but everything I've heard about his
techniques seem identical to what we did from recommendations of nurses
and
other parents. It may not be for you, but it also might be just what you
are
looking for.


Missy in Indiana http://hometown.aol.com/mhrust/overviewforng.html
Morgan Olivia & Julia Lucille 4/28/01 (YAY!)

"Do you spend a lot of time rocking them until they are asleep or something?
"

I guess I am. I don't always. If I take too long with one, another one
might fall asleep on the floor. I think I am just so worried that an awake
baby will wake the other ones up. For example, when Andy get's tired, he is
really cranky. We have put him down for a nap, and he will cry at the top
of his lungs for 1/2 hr. I couldn't put the other two down with that. The
only other option is to put him in a different room, and we are not set up
for something like that. We usually hold one until they are asleep or
almost asleep.

I would love to be able to just put them down in their crib and they lay
down and go to sleep. Maybe it's just being an inexperienced parent. I'm
afraid it would backfire.

"Missy in Indiana" wrote in message
...
I put one down, get the second
one down, but by the time I get the third one down, the first one is up.

I don't understand this. Do you spend a lot of time rocking them until
they
are asleep or something? I would just wait until they were somewhat tired
and
lay them both down at the exact same time. I'd rub their backs if (when)
they
began crying. I've heard a lot of positive (and I mean a lot) about
Ferber's
book. I personally didn't read it, but everything I've heard about his
techniques seem identical to what we did from recommendations of nurses
and
other parents. It may not be for you, but it also might be just what you
are
looking for.


Missy in Indiana http://hometown.aol.com/mhrust/overviewforng.html
Morgan Olivia & Julia Lucille 4/28/01 (YAY!)

If I put them down while they are still awake, like you are suggesting, they
would all be put down closer together. We usually give them a bottle to
help them fall asleep (at night) and occasionally during the day.

As it is, I have only put them down for a nap, when they act tired. My
daughter doesn't take many naps. But I know I am desperate for some "Mommy"
time. I'm starting to work out in my head how I can do this. Thanks for
your suggestions. You're right, it does sound so "no brainer" but I am
still having a hard time working through the "ya butts" in my head.

"Ellen Kmetz" wrote in message
...
When it's around time for their first nap, I put one down, get the second
one down, but by the time I get the third one down, the first one is up.
Would you then, keep them all in their beds until an hour had gone by?
Also, would you put them to bed even if they were not asleep or almost
asleep?


Definitely put them down while they are still awake. It will help them to
learn that it's nap time and to fall asleep on their own.

So I am guessing that a good half hour is passing between the time you get
the
first and last baby down. Can you try to condense that so you are putting
them
down much closer together? For example, have them all fed and changed so
all
you have to do is literally put them in their cribs at the same time.
You're
probably wanting to smack your monitor right now...as if you hadn't
thought of
that, right? You could also try putting the baby who sleeps the least
down
last. Maybe that would at least give you a little time when they are all
quiet.

I also really think they need to be on the same waking schedule so they
are
tired at the same time. If the first one wakes at 7, get the other two
up.

Gayle, this all sounds so simple when we are offering you suggestions.
But the
bottom line is that it may not be so easy to get three babies on the exact
same
schedule. You are doing a great job and I hope you are able to get this
nap
thing down just so you get a break.

Take care,

Ellen
--------
Erin 6/26/95
Bradley & Alex 10/5/00

If I put them down while they are still awake, like you are suggesting, they
would all be put down closer together. We usually give them a bottle to
help them fall asleep (at night) and occasionally during the day.

As it is, I have only put them down for a nap, when they act tired. My
daughter doesn't take many naps. But I know I am desperate for some "Mommy"
time. I'm starting to work out in my head how I can do this. Thanks for
your suggestions. You're right, it does sound so "no brainer" but I am
still having a hard time working through the "ya butts" in my head.

"Ellen Kmetz" wrote in message
...
When it's around time for their first nap, I put one down, get the second
one down, but by the time I get the third one down, the first one is up.
Would you then, keep them all in their beds until an hour had gone by?
Also, would you put them to bed even if they were not asleep or almost
asleep?


Definitely put them down while they are still awake. It will help them to
learn that it's nap time and to fall asleep on their own.

So I am guessing that a good half hour is passing between the time you get
the
first and last baby down. Can you try to condense that so you are putting
them
down much closer together? For example, have them all fed and changed so
all
you have to do is literally put them in their cribs at the same time.
You're
probably wanting to smack your monitor right now...as if you hadn't
thought of
that, right? You could also try putting the baby who sleeps the least
down
last. Maybe that would at least give you a little time when they are all
quiet.

I also really think they need to be on the same waking schedule so they
are
tired at the same time. If the first one wakes at 7, get the other two
up.

Gayle, this all sounds so simple when we are offering you suggestions.
But the
bottom line is that it may not be so easy to get three babies on the exact
same
schedule. You are doing a great job and I hope you are able to get this
nap
thing down just so you get a break.

Take care,

Ellen
--------
Erin 6/26/95
Bradley & Alex 10/5/00

If I put them down while they are still awake, like you are suggesting, they
would all be put down closer together. We usually give them a bottle to
help them fall asleep (at night) and occasionally during the day.

As it is, I have only put them down for a nap, when they act tired. My
daughter doesn't take many naps. But I know I am desperate for some "Mommy"
time. I'm starting to work out in my head how I can do this. Thanks for
your suggestions. You're right, it does sound so "no brainer" but I am
still having a hard time working through the "ya butts" in my head.

"Ellen Kmetz" wrote in message
...
When it's around time for their first nap, I put one down, get the second
one down, but by the time I get the third one down, the first one is up.
Would you then, keep them all in their beds until an hour had gone by?
Also, would you put them to bed even if they were not asleep or almost
asleep?


Definitely put them down while they are still awake. It will help them to
learn that it's nap time and to fall asleep on their own.

So I am guessing that a good half hour is passing between the time you get
the
first and last baby down. Can you try to condense that so you are putting
them
down much closer together? For example, have them all fed and changed so
all
you have to do is literally put them in their cribs at the same time.
You're
probably wanting to smack your monitor right now...as if you hadn't
thought of
that, right? You could also try putting the baby who sleeps the least
down
last. Maybe that would at least give you a little time when they are all
quiet.

I also really think they need to be on the same waking schedule so they
are
tired at the same time. If the first one wakes at 7, get the other two
up.

Gayle, this all sounds so simple when we are offering you suggestions.
But the
bottom line is that it may not be so easy to get three babies on the exact
same
schedule. You are doing a great job and I hope you are able to get this
nap
thing down just so you get a break.

Take care,

Ellen
--------
Erin 6/26/95
Bradley & Alex 10/5/00

I think I am just so worried that an awake
baby will wake the other ones up.

I completely understand. In all fairness, I recognize twins *are* different
than more...period. So, I'm sure one of the three will certainly be more
challenging (term used loosely) to get to sleep quietly or sooner FWIW,
Julia was my loud and awake baby. The term "colic" is thrown around a lot, but
she was textbook colic down to the constant crying. I figured they are going
to be together for a good 18 years, so we just let Morgan get used to it. The
kid can now sleep through most anything after being used as Julia's guinea pig!
It's an option.

I would love to be able to just put them down in their crib and they lay
down and go to sleep. Maybe it's just being an inexperienced parent.

Trust me, I'm Miss Inexperience here This is all new to me, but I'll at
least share what has worked for us. It took awhile to get them to the point of
just laying them down and they go to sleep. That exact fairytale isn't my
world. LOL! But, it really is a ton better than it could have been. You've
got to be exhausted with all three of them rotating through sleep. I hope you
find a way that will work for all of you so you can get some alone time. Even
20 minutes would be refreshing, I'm sure!

Good luck,
Missy in Indiana http://hometown.aol.com/mhrust/overviewforng.html
Morgan Olivia & Julia Lucille 4/28/01 (YAY!)

I think I am just so worried that an awake
baby will wake the other ones up.

I completely understand. In all fairness, I recognize twins *are* different
than more...period. So, I'm sure one of the three will certainly be more
challenging (term used loosely) to get to sleep quietly or sooner FWIW,
Julia was my loud and awake baby. The term "colic" is thrown around a lot, but
she was textbook colic down to the constant crying. I figured they are going
to be together for a good 18 years, so we just let Morgan get used to it. The
kid can now sleep through most anything after being used as Julia's guinea pig!
It's an option.

I would love to be able to just put them down in their crib and they lay
down and go to sleep. Maybe it's just being an inexperienced parent.

Trust me, I'm Miss Inexperience here This is all new to me, but I'll at
least share what has worked for us. It took awhile to get them to the point of
just laying them down and they go to sleep. That exact fairytale isn't my
world. LOL! But, it really is a ton better than it could have been. You've
got to be exhausted with all three of them rotating through sleep. I hope you
find a way that will work for all of you so you can get some alone time. Even
20 minutes would be refreshing, I'm sure!

Good luck,
Missy in Indiana http://hometown.aol.com/mhrust/overviewforng.html
Morgan Olivia & Julia Lucille 4/28/01 (YAY!)

I think I am just so worried that an awake
baby will wake the other ones up.

I completely understand. In all fairness, I recognize twins *are* different
than more...period. So, I'm sure one of the three will certainly be more
challenging (term used loosely) to get to sleep quietly or sooner FWIW,
Julia was my loud and awake baby. The term "colic" is thrown around a lot, but
she was textbook colic down to the constant crying. I figured they are going
to be together for a good 18 years, so we just let Morgan get used to it. The
kid can now sleep through most anything after being used as Julia's guinea pig!
It's an option.

I would love to be able to just put them down in their crib and they lay
down and go to sleep. Maybe it's just being an inexperienced parent.

Trust me, I'm Miss Inexperience here This is all new to me, but I'll at
least share what has worked for us. It took awhile to get them to the point of
just laying them down and they go to sleep. That exact fairytale isn't my
world. LOL! But, it really is a ton better than it could have been. You've
got to be exhausted with all three of them rotating through sleep. I hope you
find a way that will work for all of you so you can get some alone time. Even
20 minutes would be refreshing, I'm sure!

Good luck,
Missy in Indiana http://hometown.aol.com/mhrust/overviewforng.html
Morgan Olivia & Julia Lucille 4/28/01 (YAY!)

I agree with Paula too *except* I don't think you need a book and I have
known triplets who did just great getting up at 9am and going to bed at 10
at night ... I don't really think the time of day matters, it's the routine
that is the clincher -- and again, for us as for many others, separating
them at naptime (though only one was separated out for bedtime) was key.

At 7 months, we did:

7am up, bottle, food
9:15 or 9:30 or so nap
11am bottle, lunch
1:15 or 1:30 pm or so nap
3pm snack (dropped at about 9 months when they started to have "dinner" at
5pm instead)
5:15pm nap
7pm bottle and bed by about 9.

The precise hours may vary, and all kids are different, but we had ours on a
schedule, all napping at the same time, from birth, so I certainly don't
think that *with effort* and sticking to a new routine, 7 months could be
too young. And I think it has to be worth the effort, for your sanity's
sake.

--Janet
Elliot, Hanna, Connor (10/21/96)
and Holly (4/4/01)

"Jonathan Wolgamuth" wrote in message
. 1...
In message on 20 Apr 2004, Paula
Johnson said to all at alt.parenting.twins-triplets

OK, now I have a little time. We recently went through this, so I know
how desperate you're probably feeling. My life has been so much nicer
since we got onto a good napping schedule.

We started the girls on a sleep schedule when they were 9 months/6
months adjusted. I realized after reading Weissbluth's book that they
weren't sleeping well because they were overtired ("sleep begets
sleep" is a favorite phrase of his).

To get the girls on a decent schedule, we had to move everything
earlier: wake time, nap times, bedtime. They get up no later than 7:00
am (usually they are awake around 6:30). If they're not up at 7, I get
them up to "protect" the morning nap, which is between 9-9:30. They
usually sleep until 10:30 or 11:00. Afternoon nap starts from 1-1:30,
and they generally sleep until 2:30 or 3:00. Bedtime is 7:00-7:30.

The most important things we've found -- a bit of protest crying is to
be expected, as the kids realize that it's much more fun to be *up*.
A routine before naps and bed, like reading, nursing/bottle, singing,
rocking -- whatever helps the kids relax -- can help signal them that
it's sleep time. Also, if you need to, put them each in a different
room. Mine sleep overnight in the same room, but one naps in a Pack N
Play in my bedroom -- they were just winding each other up at naptime.

Paula, I completely agree with your post! This sounds like what we did!

--

I'm Jonathan Wolgamuth and I approved this message.

"Come join me in my daily struggle for adequacity."