Let's visit the different nap types. A third child definitely has to learn to be flexible with their nap styles.
1. Car nap- typically short in length on the way to or from an event/errand although may be lengthy in the event of a road trip. Typically disrupted by the vehicle stopping or older siblings making noise or poking baby. Best achieved at speeds above 60km/hr, so yes if you are hoping for this nap take Ring Road. On rare occasion will continue upon stopping and removing bucket from the car.
2. Carrier nap- typically short in length and utilized when everyone needs to get outside as the big kids are bouncing off the walls and need to burn energy. Most often utilized in the evening as a tool to get just enough of a nap in to get baby through to bed time.
3. Crib nap- attempted daily after lunch. The only "scheduled" nap.
4. Boob nap- is when baby falls asleep nursing but everytime you try to move wakes up. So you allow baby to continue nursing while they sleep. Often utilized in the evening to get baby through to bed time, or anytime baby is exceptionally grumpy.
5. Carry me nap- when all other tactics fail and someone walks around carrying baby until baby finally crashes, usually in the most awkward position for the person holding baby. As soon as you try to switch the way you are holding baby or sit down she will wake up.
6. Stroller nap- utilized on walks or at the mall. Typically short in nature because once you stop almost a guarantee that baby will wake.
Yes we utilize all nap styles. My personal favourites are crip nap as it allows me to do something productive while baby naps and the carrier nap as we get fresh air and get to "snuggle" baby.
I should add there is another type of nap called the hold me nap. Generally utilized for a first child, occasionally for a second child and rarely for a third child. This is when baby peacefully fall asleep with adult and you settle in for the long haul and hold/ rock baby until they wake. The advantage of this nap is that when baby stirs you simply shhh and bit and pat bum and they typically stay asleep. However, Murphy law is that once you settle in for one of these naps almost guaranteed you will have to pee 10 minutes in and can't truly enjoy the baby snuggles.
Hope you get to enjoy your next nap, where ever it may be!
