Help Two Little Ones Won't Stop Crying At Naps

[Izzyjenni]

Hello!

I have a five month old and a 12 month old that ALWAYS cry it out to sleep at nap time. They are put down in separate rooms with sound machines and they both cry for at least 10 minutes before falling asleep. AT least 2 times a week, they both seem to wake up from morning nap or afternoon nap (or both) about 30 minutes into nap and scream forever. I have gone in and checked on them, replaced a pacifier if needed, or rubbed their backs and said its time to nap quietly. Then I leave and the crying begins again. I had a tough day today during the day so I was looking forward to relaxing a bit but they've both been crying forever!!! I know I need to talk to their parents about this but don't know how to instill in them that they need to let their child self sooth instead of holding them until they fall asleep. The 12 month old I've had since she was 3 months and this has always been the case. She gets picked up by mom after the slightest cry. It is so frustrating! How do I handle this with both sets of parents? I am going nuts.

[Thriftylady]

You are going to have to be firm with the parents. I know it is hard, trust me but that is the only thing we can do.

[Controlled Chaos]

I watched a little one from 8weeks old to 13 months old and due to her parents co sleeping and no schedule on says she was here she always cried for 10+ min, like angry screaming EVERY single nap. I didn't put my down with parents, they were good friends (I know I know) and they knew why she was struggling, she eventually napped and was overall and easy baby, but naps never got easier without home consistency.

Maybe make a handout about how to help babies sleep well, feel safe every where?

[Lorna]

The kids will figure out that things are different at daycare then at home. I have had a few new kids that cry to go down for nap. Usually lasts for about 10 minutes. If it last longer than 20 I go in and lay them back down if they are standing. And leave. I try not to say anything. If they wake half way through nap same thing. Just lay them back down. Eventually they will figure out well this isn't' working here and stop. Sometimes I say nothing more than "that is enough, get to sleep". Its usually a month before they stop. I keep the smaller ones that don't' sleep as well in separate rooms.

[Izzyjenni]

thanks!

I thought this would be the case. I am a new provider so I've changed things in my parent handbook to talk about my philosophies on sleeping. Since I didn't say this with my first parents that enrolled, I am now making sure to talk about it now with new parents. It is just hard to approach it with parents I already have in my daycare!