Sophie is a chronic napper...and I mean that in a good way. Without regular naps, our little Sophie becomes awfully cranky and, literally, inconsolable at times. Sleep deprivation and Sophie just don't get along. In fact, without her naps, she is incredibly fussy and won't even eat nurse even though it may be time according to her regular schedule! What's especially important for her is that she nap in a quiet room without much commotion going on around her, so where ever we go we must have a place for her to take her hourly time out. So, here's my chance to say "thanks" to anyone who's ever lent us their bedroom for a couple hours while we were visiting!
What about the car, you ask? As mentioned previously, no, she doesn't nap in the car easily, like other babies do. On Thanksgiving weekend we went on a lot of road trips and these trips were some of the first where Sophie actually napped in the car. (With her soother in, rain noise maker on.) THANK GOODNESS!
I've been doing some research on "overly sensitive"/"touchy babies" and I've come to learn that sensitive babies become over-stimulated very, very fast. So, considering this, I can safely conclude that Sophie needs to maintain her every 60-90 minute nap schedule in order to unwind and desensitize. With the rain noise maker, she is able to block out external stimuli and will nod off easily eventually. In order to unwind, Sophie still needs to be swaddled as well so she does not stimulate herself with her hands; without her swaddle, she'll proceed to move her arms up and down or she'll scratch at the fabric of the sheets. (She's a tummy sleeper.)
So, if you're a mommy or daddy of a sensitive babe, try a consistent nap schedule. We've been following the 90-Minute Sleep Program for the most part. (http://www.amazon.ca/90-Minute-Baby-Sleep-Program-Natural/dp/0761143114) Sometimes, she becomes fussy and overstimulated prior to the 90 minute mark, so we just put her down anyways, but the philosophy behind it is the same. Let me know how it works out for you if you decide to give it a try. :)
In this whole process, it's funny how God provides us with little trials along the way to teach us much. Something as simple as sleep has taught Mathieu and myself so much! With consistent napping, Sophie has become a much happier baby. In turn, we've learned PATIENCE and have been filled with JOY because we've had the chance to truly enjoy our happy little girl! I love the verse in James 1:2-3, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing your faith produces perseverance".
In the beginning, we resisted and became angry at Sophie's little outbursts. I thought, how could this child possibly need this much sleep?! But, in the end, we've surrendered to what our baby needs and we've come through this a stronger family because we've just learned to surrender and be patient...our lives have been enriched! :)
Until our next adventure,
Make the most of this day you've been blessed with!
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