Scheduled nap time for infants

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."

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."

If you find that getting them up at the same time, putting them down closer
together, the shortest napper going down last, and all three awake when you
do it does not seem to work, then you might look into a couple of cheap pack
n plays to separate them for naps. Garage sales? Multiples clubs? Borrow
one from a friend who isn't using it right now? For us, from an early age
putting them all down to nap together in one room was *impossible*, so the
investment in 2 pack n plays was well worth it (one went in the spare room,
the other in our room).

One other thought -- your early riser. Does s/he disturb the others? Does
s/he scream? We had one who would wake at 4am in the summer (at about 8
months on) -- singing and talking to himself til he drove the other two
awake and screaming. We moved his crib into another room and found to our
shock that on his own he would just chat for an hour and then fall asleep
again til 7 with no intervention from us -- and obviously didn't disturb the
others.

Might be worth trying.

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

"The Huwe Family" wrote in message
.. .
"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 you find that getting them up at the same time, putting them down closer
together, the shortest napper going down last, and all three awake when you
do it does not seem to work, then you might look into a couple of cheap pack
n plays to separate them for naps. Garage sales? Multiples clubs? Borrow
one from a friend who isn't using it right now? For us, from an early age
putting them all down to nap together in one room was *impossible*, so the
investment in 2 pack n plays was well worth it (one went in the spare room,
the other in our room).

One other thought -- your early riser. Does s/he disturb the others? Does
s/he scream? We had one who would wake at 4am in the summer (at about 8
months on) -- singing and talking to himself til he drove the other two
awake and screaming. We moved his crib into another room and found to our
shock that on his own he would just chat for an hour and then fall asleep
again til 7 with no intervention from us -- and obviously didn't disturb the
others.

Might be worth trying.

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

"The Huwe Family" wrote in message
.. .
"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 you find that getting them up at the same time, putting them down closer
together, the shortest napper going down last, and all three awake when you
do it does not seem to work, then you might look into a couple of cheap pack
n plays to separate them for naps. Garage sales? Multiples clubs? Borrow
one from a friend who isn't using it right now? For us, from an early age
putting them all down to nap together in one room was *impossible*, so the
investment in 2 pack n plays was well worth it (one went in the spare room,
the other in our room).

One other thought -- your early riser. Does s/he disturb the others? Does
s/he scream? We had one who would wake at 4am in the summer (at about 8
months on) -- singing and talking to himself til he drove the other two
awake and screaming. We moved his crib into another room and found to our
shock that on his own he would just chat for an hour and then fall asleep
again til 7 with no intervention from us -- and obviously didn't disturb the
others.

Might be worth trying.

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

"The Huwe Family" wrote in message
.. .
"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!)

"The Huwe Family" wrote in message
om...
My triplets turn 7 mo. old this Friday. Is it possible to have them on a
nap schedule? (e.g. It's 10 o'clock, time for nap) Currently, I let them
get up in the morning whenever the wake up, unless it's after 9, then I
wake
them up. I then put them down throughout the day whenever they display
tiredness. Of course, they are rarely all down at the same time, but the
do
usually go to bed at night pretty close together. But even when they take
naps, their duration is different. Ben can sleep for hours, while I
consider myself lucky if Elena sleeps longer than 1/2 hour.

Some kids sleep more, some less, but a 7 month old baby should be napping a
bit more in my opinion.
mine were sleeping for an hour or so at 10:30 and then for at least 2 more
around 2-3 ish, I would put them to nap at the same time, at first it was
tough on Little Jonathan but he always had issues falling asleep, eventually
they adapt but some will sleep more and others less.
At 1 year and 7 months abby can nap for over 3 hours ( one nap a day now)
and jonathan is about 1.5 hrs MAX, mot times less.


He also usually wakes up much earlier than his sister.




If it's possible, do you have any suggestions on how to accomplish this?
Or
is it not worth it until they are older?


Shedules are good.
Kids like a certain amount of routine.

Try it. it may work
Stick to it for at least a week and see what kind of progress is being made.
Sometimes I would sit by Little J's crib and help him relax and realize
that I will not take him out of his crib, but that I was there with him.
Pats on the back would always help too.


--

Gayle
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/d/datriplets/



Good Luck.

Jack

"The Huwe Family" wrote in message
om...
My triplets turn 7 mo. old this Friday. Is it possible to have them on a
nap schedule? (e.g. It's 10 o'clock, time for nap) Currently, I let them
get up in the morning whenever the wake up, unless it's after 9, then I
wake
them up. I then put them down throughout the day whenever they display
tiredness. Of course, they are rarely all down at the same time, but the
do
usually go to bed at night pretty close together. But even when they take
naps, their duration is different. Ben can sleep for hours, while I
consider myself lucky if Elena sleeps longer than 1/2 hour.

Some kids sleep more, some less, but a 7 month old baby should be napping a
bit more in my opinion.
mine were sleeping for an hour or so at 10:30 and then for at least 2 more
around 2-3 ish, I would put them to nap at the same time, at first it was
tough on Little Jonathan but he always had issues falling asleep, eventually
they adapt but some will sleep more and others less.
At 1 year and 7 months abby can nap for over 3 hours ( one nap a day now)
and jonathan is about 1.5 hrs MAX, mot times less.


He also usually wakes up much earlier than his sister.




If it's possible, do you have any suggestions on how to accomplish this?
Or
is it not worth it until they are older?


Shedules are good.
Kids like a certain amount of routine.

Try it. it may work
Stick to it for at least a week and see what kind of progress is being made.
Sometimes I would sit by Little J's crib and help him relax and realize
that I will not take him out of his crib, but that I was there with him.
Pats on the back would always help too.


--

Gayle
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/d/datriplets/



Good Luck.

Jack

"The Huwe Family" wrote in message
om...
My triplets turn 7 mo. old this Friday. Is it possible to have them on a
nap schedule? (e.g. It's 10 o'clock, time for nap) Currently, I let them
get up in the morning whenever the wake up, unless it's after 9, then I
wake
them up. I then put them down throughout the day whenever they display
tiredness. Of course, they are rarely all down at the same time, but the
do
usually go to bed at night pretty close together. But even when they take
naps, their duration is different. Ben can sleep for hours, while I
consider myself lucky if Elena sleeps longer than 1/2 hour.

Some kids sleep more, some less, but a 7 month old baby should be napping a
bit more in my opinion.
mine were sleeping for an hour or so at 10:30 and then for at least 2 more
around 2-3 ish, I would put them to nap at the same time, at first it was
tough on Little Jonathan but he always had issues falling asleep, eventually
they adapt but some will sleep more and others less.
At 1 year and 7 months abby can nap for over 3 hours ( one nap a day now)
and jonathan is about 1.5 hrs MAX, mot times less.


He also usually wakes up much earlier than his sister.




If it's possible, do you have any suggestions on how to accomplish this?
Or
is it not worth it until they are older?


Shedules are good.
Kids like a certain amount of routine.

Try it. it may work
Stick to it for at least a week and see what kind of progress is being made.
Sometimes I would sit by Little J's crib and help him relax and realize
that I will not take him out of his crib, but that I was there with him.
Pats on the back would always help too.


--

Gayle
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/d/datriplets/



Good Luck.

Jack

Well, I decided to give it a go, beginning yesterday. While it certainly
wasn't perfect, it worked!!!! I had a good 1 3/4 hour of "mom" time. While
I only got in one planned nap yesterday, I knew it was off to a great
beginning, so I tried it again today.

this is my "plan"

up at 7:00

1st nap at 10ish
up at 12

2nd nap at 3
up at 5

to bed at 8
with eating in-between.

I'm not sure about the times in-between. Today they woke up at 6:00 and
Elena was asleep by 8:15. I put the boys down at 9. They are waking up now
(at 11). I've actually heard them for the last 15 mi nutes or so
talking/singing, but they weren't crying so I thought I would stick to my
guns about the 2 hour nap.

I think this will also make it so much easier on me to feed them. The
doctor want's me to feed them solids 3x a day in addition to their bottle.
Up until now I haven't found the time to feed them solids more than 2x. I
think with them being more regimented, I'll be able to give them an
additional solid around 5. Cross your fingers and we'll see how it goes.

Thank you, thank you for all of the advice and encouragement. I'll let you
know how it goes.

Gayle
"The Huwe Family" wrote in message
...
Actually, I only have one that occasionally sleeps until 9. Andy, my
first
born, wakes up usually by 6, but sometimes at 5, 4, or even 1 am. (today
it
was 5:00) The other two usually get up around 7. We try to get them to
bed
between 7:30 -8 pm. We've tried later times hoping that Andy would sleep
later, but it hasn't worked. He must have his internal clock set early.

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?

Gayle


"Ellen Kmetz" wrote in message
...
If it's possible, do you have any suggestions on how to accomplish
this?
Or
is it not worth it until they are older?



Hi Gayle,

My boys were on a nap schedule at 5 months. I certainly don't thinks
yours are
too young, but all babies are different. A good "guideline" is 10 am
and
2 pm
for naps. Of course if they are not waking up until 9 that won't work.
What
time do they go to bed at night? Maybe you can get them up earlier in
the
morning so they are tired around 10. I really believe in strict
sleeping
schedules, especially with multiples. They should be waking, napping
and
going
to bed at the same times every day. I guess that's easy for me to
say...God
knows it has to be SO much harder with three than two, but I really
believe
that babies will adapt to the sleep schedule that *you* dictate. And it
will
keep you sane knowing that you have a few hours every day when they are
all
sleeping (or whatever the duration is). It might take a week or so to
get
them
all in sync, but it'll be worth it if it works.

Good luck!

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

Well, I decided to give it a go, beginning yesterday. While it certainly
wasn't perfect, it worked!!!! I had a good 1 3/4 hour of "mom" time. While
I only got in one planned nap yesterday, I knew it was off to a great
beginning, so I tried it again today.

this is my "plan"

up at 7:00

1st nap at 10ish
up at 12

2nd nap at 3
up at 5

to bed at 8
with eating in-between.

I'm not sure about the times in-between. Today they woke up at 6:00 and
Elena was asleep by 8:15. I put the boys down at 9. They are waking up now
(at 11). I've actually heard them for the last 15 mi nutes or so
talking/singing, but they weren't crying so I thought I would stick to my
guns about the 2 hour nap.

I think this will also make it so much easier on me to feed them. The
doctor want's me to feed them solids 3x a day in addition to their bottle.
Up until now I haven't found the time to feed them solids more than 2x. I
think with them being more regimented, I'll be able to give them an
additional solid around 5. Cross your fingers and we'll see how it goes.

Thank you, thank you for all of the advice and encouragement. I'll let you
know how it goes.

Gayle
"The Huwe Family" wrote in message
...
Actually, I only have one that occasionally sleeps until 9. Andy, my
first
born, wakes up usually by 6, but sometimes at 5, 4, or even 1 am. (today
it
was 5:00) The other two usually get up around 7. We try to get them to
bed
between 7:30 -8 pm. We've tried later times hoping that Andy would sleep
later, but it hasn't worked. He must have his internal clock set early.

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?

Gayle


"Ellen Kmetz" wrote in message
...
If it's possible, do you have any suggestions on how to accomplish
this?
Or
is it not worth it until they are older?



Hi Gayle,

My boys were on a nap schedule at 5 months. I certainly don't thinks
yours are
too young, but all babies are different. A good "guideline" is 10 am
and
2 pm
for naps. Of course if they are not waking up until 9 that won't work.
What
time do they go to bed at night? Maybe you can get them up earlier in
the
morning so they are tired around 10. I really believe in strict
sleeping
schedules, especially with multiples. They should be waking, napping
and
going
to bed at the same times every day. I guess that's easy for me to
say...God
knows it has to be SO much harder with three than two, but I really
believe
that babies will adapt to the sleep schedule that *you* dictate. And it
will
keep you sane knowing that you have a few hours every day when they are
all
sleeping (or whatever the duration is). It might take a week or so to
get
them
all in sync, but it'll be worth it if it works.

Good luck!

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