help for a tired baby

[mj143red]

My four month old baby takes three naps a day, just like he's supposed to. The problem is that each one lasts exactly thirty-four minutes. Even though it's obvious that he's still tired, I can't get him to go back to sleep. He spends most of the time between his last nap and bath time rubbing his red, puffy eyes and fussing or crying. Any tips for us?

[newmommy1211]

Do you know why he wakes up? Is he startling himself awake? If so, try swaddling. That helped my son, who is also 4 months old. I have also had some success with swings and if all else fails, I hold him the entire nap to make sure he gets enough sleep. Also, try drawing the curtains or blinds so it's not so bright.

[becky]

My little one also fights naps and hes only 10 weeks. he only sleeps for 30 -40 min when you hold him as I often do so I know he will get some rest. But as soon as you put him down he wakes within 10 min. Just enough for me to brush my teeth:)

He does however go in his crib for nighttime just not during the day. His room is kept very dark during day hours also.

The past few days Ive noticed it catching up with him and he is cranky when he doesn't get rest

[sherriann]

My three month old often takes "power naps". He will sleep for 10 or 15 minutes and then wake up several times a day. I try to get him to take a long mid-afternoon nap and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I have linked this problem to some degree to my drinking coffee. Everything I have read says that coffee doesn't effect most babies, so my son must be in the other seldom effected catagory. I have gone to decaf for the taste, but I really miss my pick-me-up in the morning. Some days my son sleeps better than he did while I was still drinking regular coffee. Try lessening your caffine intake and see if it helps. Good luck because I know how important those naps can be for your baby and for your sanity!