Quiet play before nap time

[summerbaby]

I feel a little lame about asking but I need help. DD (almost 13 months) is a little ball of energy and has a hard time calming down for nap time. Of course, even when she's tired she wants to play. Usually she's great about putting herself to sleep but it takes time. I think it's because she's still pumped when I put her in the crib. We read a few books and put on a soothing CD but what else can I do to slow her down? Any tips would be appreciated!

TIA!

[myshel]

Hmm... well, my suggestions were to read a book or listen to a CD. Well, I try this with DS sometimes when I know he's ready for a nap but won't slow down. I put on a movie or CNN (he's had this as background noise since birth, so it's just white noise to him), hold him in the recliner, and give him some small snacks--crackers, etc.-- and give him his bottle/sippy. The cuddling along with the methodical eating sometimes gets him to slow down.

I know this isn't a great help, but maybe it will work for you too.

[vjel]

We implemented a "quiet time" about 30min. before nap/bedtime. Meaning we stop playing, running around, no yelling or talking loudly,etc. and just sit and watch a bit of tv or read some books before heading upstairs. I find that DD has a harder time getting settled and falling asleep at night if she's too riled up beforehand. So this has helped her to relax and get ready for bed.

[prudies]

Ah yes, we had this experience too when DS was about that age.

Having an elaborate routine helps. We have a lullaby cd and books, but we also do clean up and before that, maybe stacking soft blocks or something quiet like that. Hang in there, and stick with the routine.

[summerbaby]

Thanks everyone! I guess I forgot to mention that this became a problem when I recently started the weaning process. She used to get the boob before naps which soothed her tremendously. Now I just don't know what to do! Anyway, thanks for all your tips and I'll be implementing them starting this afternoon.

Prudies, I like the clean up idea! Eliminates me from having to clean up all her mess as soon as she goes down so she could start making a new one as soon as she gets up!