Finally got our daughter in a good nap schedule and my MIL is visiting

Dec 241 min read

We spent like 6 weeks figuring out what works for our 3-month-old's naps - wake windows, contact nap vs crib, all of it. Finally getting predictable 1.5-2 hour chunks twice a day and it's been LIFE CHANGING. My MIL arrives tomorrow and I love her but she's a chaos agent. She'll want to hold the baby through naps, or "just pop in" during sleep time, or suggest "helpful" changes. I'm trying not to be territorial but I'm also stressed out. Any tips for maintaining boundaries without being a jerk?

10 comments220 views

Comments(10)

BByron S.RegularDec 24

6 weeks to dial in naps is actually reasonable honestly. we're at week 4 and it's still all over the place. what was the breakthrough thing for you guys - was it wake windows or something else?

RRob K.RegularDec 25

The contact nap to crib transition is the real MVP move. We're still stuck in contact nap hell and I know I need to make the jump but man, those little snores on your chest hit different

KKent R.RegularDec 25

bro 6 weeks is NOTHING for getting a sleep schedule down. celebrate this win hard because your MIL is about to ruin it in 3 days lol

DDominic E.RegularDec 25

Pro tip: don't tell MIL the schedule. At all. Just say "yeah he goes down whenever" and then you actually maintain it quietly. Sounds dishonest but trust me on this one

MMarcus J.RegularDec 26

imagine trying to enforce a 3 month old's schedule while your MIL's in the house wanting to "help." my sympathies bro

GGreg H.RegularDec 26

1.5-2 hour stretches at 3 months is genuinely elite tier. incoming MIL visit is gonna ruin it though isn't it. mine always wants to "just hold her" during nap time

PPhil B.RegularDec 25

RIP your schedule once MIL arrives lmao. does she understand the wake window thing or is she gonna want to let her "sleep whenever"?

CClint R.RegularDec 26

my MIL arrived when we finally had our first good week and she woke the baby up on PURPOSE because "she hadn't seen her awake in hours." the rage i felt was unreal. protect your schedule

DDan W.RegularDec 27

I feel this in my soul. We finally got our 4mo on a rhythm and my in-laws came over and let him sleep til 11am because "he looked so peaceful." Set us back like 2 weeks

RReggie K.New DadDec 27

congrats on the consistency. that must feel amazing after weeks of chaos. MIL though - set boundaries NOW before she gets there or you'll be starting from scratch after she leaves