Okay, so remember when I posted a couple months ago about all these baby-related/breastfeeding questions? So it's going to be another one of
those posts.
So I'm not as worried about a lot of things as I was several weeks ago. I think I've finally figured out the breastfeeding thing and don't have to strip down completely to do it anymore. Still leaking though. Grr.
Now for the topic of interest: naps. Let me just start by saying that Reed is a good sleeper at bedtime. He usually only wakes up once to eat (around 4am) and then wakes up at 8am for the day. So I know I am luckier than some on that issue. And I am grateful. However, he is not a good napper. First of all, he naps a few times a day but only for like 20-30 minutes at a time. Lately, he'll be "drowsy" in my arms ("hurry, put him down!" the experts say) and the moment I put him down, he wakes up crying. So, here are a few questions:
1. Should babies be sleeping longer than 20-30 min. for naps? Or is it baby-by-baby basis? A magazine article I just read said if they're not sleeping for at least 45 min. during naptime, it "messes them up". Nice.
2. Should he nap in his bassinet/crib? I used to think he should (but he never would), so he'd sleep wherever--boppy, swing, etc. I don't want him to have to sleep in his own bed for naps all the time, and I don't want him getting used to it being quiet all the time when he is sleeping. What do you think?
3. He naps irregularly. I tried to track his naps recently and there is somewhat of a pattern. Is he too young to have scheduled naps? Although I read somewhere that babies shouldn't be awake for more than 2 hours before sleeping again...or it "messes them up." I hate books.
4. So I've come to a conclusion about letting babies "cry it out." Everyone (except the guy who came up with it) claims to be totally against it. But then it seems that parents always get to the point that they use it. And after a few days, things are great. So the reason I ask is this: yesterday was a rough day. Reed was so tired but only would sleep if I was holding him (remember, I don't want to do that). So I'd put him down, and he'd wake up screaming. After the 100th time, I couldn't take it anymore. Luckily, my good husband got home from work and took over. We put him in his bassinet and let him cry it out. I think it took at least 30 min. Naturally, I had to leave. He did finally fall asleep. Is that the right approach, even for naps? I have a really hard time listening to him cry that long, but if it will help, I'll do it. What are your thoughts on the "cry it out" method? A lot of
experts, of course, claim that your baby will lose trust in you, blah, blah, but holy cow, how many of you remember being a baby?! That's what I don't understand.
Anyway, there's my rant. I'd love to hear some comments/suggestions. I already feel like a bad mother and that I've forever messed up my kid.
