How long after my 3 month old eats should he nap? ?

Question

I know all babies are different...but I'd like to know what has worked for others.

I do watch for sleepy signs like rubbing his eyes and yawning, but sometimes it comes too soon after he woke up the last time (30-45 mintues)

Right now I am putting him down about an hour and a half after he eats every time.

Should that change as the day progresses?

Will putting him down sooner or later help him sleep longer?

I want to make sure that he is getting enough nap time. Right now he naps about 3 1/2 to 4 hours a day.

Answer 1

At this age my daughter was still usually falling asleep at the breast.  It's natural for babies to want to sleep soon after eating -- mama's warm arms, the milk in his belly; those are all very relaxing.  

(THe 'eat-play-sleep' routine beloved by so many 'sleep training' authors is for parent's convenience, not baby's.  It goes against the more natural patterns of most babies.)  

Don't focus on the clock, look at your baby.  Is he happy?  Is he eating enough and generally content while awake?  If so, you don't need a schedule.  When he's tired, put him down, even if it is only 45 minutes since his last nap.  He knows what he needs.  

Answer 2

I just put my daughter down whenever she is tired.  It is turning into a nap in the morning, one in the afternoon, and a short one in the late afternoon.

Answer 3

I followed my babies ques at this age & put him down when he looked tired but before he got over tired. You will learn very quickly his ques as 1 mistake is all you need to know better next time. What you are doing is working for you so don't worry. Also he's taking in a lot with new skills he's learning like grasping for toys, tracking your movements etc..  all this will make him tired. Also as he gets older he will need less sleep & will let you know by his ques so make the most of it now