Like most newborns, my son slept a lot. He was often only up for an hour at a time. He continued to sleep a lot until about 6 months. Then we had a horrible week. At nap time, I would lay him down, but he wouldn't sleep. He was grouchy all the time, clearly needing to sleep but unable to do so. Where had my happy, sleepy baby gone? What was I to do now?
Then my grandma told me that her kids seemed to get to an age where they were up for 2 hours and asleep for 2 hours. She said that lasted for a pretty long time. So I decided to try keeping Junior up for 2 hours. Lo and behold, he was back to taking good naps regularly and waking happily! In that one week, he went from being awake only a hour at a time and having 4 naps to staying awake 2 hours at a time and only having 2 naps.
For most babies, this transition comes earlier (4-6 months). Some babies transition more gradually over the course of 2 months; others suddenly change in a week like my son. Either way, the change can come as a surprise. Baby will suddenly have a harder time getting to sleep or staying asleep. This thankfully corresponds with a time when he doesn't need as much sleep. When Mom and Baby are getting used to the new flow of things can be difficult, but take heart. Life is wonderful and flexible on the other side!
RESOURCES
Babywise II
Secrets of the Baby Whisperer
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