What To Do With Babies That Have A BAD SLEEP Day?

[kidkair]

Any child under age 1 I nap/feed/change on demand regardless of what schedule they may or may not be on at home. I make them follow the regular schedule when they are one if they aren't already following it by then.

[SilverSabre25]

I wouldn't make such an agreement with mom. An overtired baby is going to sleep LESS, not more. If you let her get over-tired, then nighttime sleep for mom will be worse.

You need to let the baby sleep when she is tired, especially if her naps have been off. A LOT of things throw off a baby's sleep, especially if she is working on new skills, new teeth, etc.

I wouldn't try to drop catnaps until around age 1 either, but it would totally depend on the child. My DD, for example, was regularly taking three naps a day until about 11 months, then dropped to only one nap (and a morning one at that, not afternoon!) by 14 months. That was a difficult three months, . I had a daycare boy last year who was 18 months and still needing two LONG naps a day.

[renodeb]

I would go with option one. You arent gonna do the baby any good by keeping her busy b/c then she will be over tired and that is bad to. Even an hour is something atleast. I feel your pain, babies are even harder work when they arent rested.
Debbie

[Meyou]

I have a 17 month old here that still catnaps some afternoons for 30 minutes. There are just some days she is a total bear and needs a little rest. Now that's quite old for cat napping but some kids need them for longer and just seem to need more sleep. Watch for her cues. If she's ok, try and tough her out but if she's miserable everyone will be happier if she takes a little nap.

[frgsonmysox]

My philosophy isn't the popular one here, but I believe in letting a child sleep when tired, regardless of age. Even when I did center daycare, and nannying I would allow the sleepy child to sleep.