How Long Does It Take for Your Baby to Fall Asleep?
My son is 8 months old now and I am pretty good at knowing when he is tired but when I put him down for a nap it seems to take him a very long time to go to sleep. I am not sure how long I should let him lay there and fuss before I go get him back up. He only does this for nap times not at bedtime. esterday it took 40 minutes for him to go to sleep and that seems like a long time. How long does it take your child and how long is too long to let them lay there awake?
Suggestion:
How many naps does he take? Is it only 1 nap? If not, it might be time to go to just one.
Otherwise, I would work on the time of day you are trying to put him down. Maybe you're trying to soon or even too late and missing the 'window' of time that it would be easy. Try adjusting it 15 min in either direction.
I usually let them go for a good 30 min but only if they were mildly fussing not all out screaming.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
My 3 yr old… from 5 to 20 mins..
If I just laid my son down, he would never go to sleep. He is 2 and has always been that way. Probably because he's used to being catered to, I admit. I rock him until he is drowsy and he falls asleep within a few minutes.
Since your baby has no issue falling asleep at nighttime, I suggest investing in blackout shades for his room. Maybe he just needs darkness?
I have always comforted my kids to sleep. I see no problem with it, and it is a nice bonding time.
Rocking and nursing always works perfectly for my youngest 2 (3 and 15 months). They are usually down in about 10 – 15 min.
For our 6 year old I will lay next to him and we pray and sing, sometimes I will scratch his head or back, and by the 3rd or 4th song, he is out.
I never really worried about them "putting themselves to sleep". I like the cuddling at bedtime.
Our daughter is 11 months old and has trouble sometimes right before a nap. I'd say it takes her between 10 and 30 minutes to fall asleep at naptime. Like you said, it's easier for bedtime. I think because we have a routine and try to stick to it, she seems to know bedtime is coming up.
Someone else here suggested dark shades for windows, I think that is a great idea.