My daughter is almost 11 months old.  We have had increasing trouble putting her down for naps.  We all get home about 4 and she is obvioiusly ready for a nap.  We put her in her crib and she cries for 10 minutes then is asleep for 10 minutes and wakes up again crying.  We leave her as long as possible but it seemes to be a never ending cycle of crying and no good nap.  Along with the increased crying she is wanting her pacifier more and if she finds a spare will hold one in her hand along with the one in her mouth.  Trying to take either away will result in a tantrum.  What is the right thing to do?  Thank You

First, I assume when you say "we all get home at 4" that your daughter is in a daycare situation during the day or part of it.  I also assume that you work.  Starting from that point let us try to understand what your child is attempting to communicate.  If she has not seen you most of the day, then perhaps, tired or not, she is not ready for a nap but for some "mommie" time.  She may be looking for the "security" of your love and attention so the pacifier is her only way of soothing herself if she is being made to nap.  This may account for her distress when she loses it and only has one.  Also, how are you feeling?  Are you tired and stressed out from your day?  Do you just need some "down" time without having a baby make these demands?  It is a tough job to both work and meet the needs of a baby!  How to balance the two is tricky. 

So let us assume that your daughter is missing you all day and wants some time with you and though she is tir.... Read More