I would consider JoJo to be an okay napper. We usually end up rocking her to sleep for most naps and she wakes at least once part way through and requires more rocking. I know she is too young to really consolidate her naps yet and soothe herself to sleep. I'm home most of the day and she is my first baby so I don't mind the extra snuggles and attention required to ensure she gets enough sleep during the day.
However, JoJo is 10 weeks old and I'm going back to work and I'm bringing her with me. I am hoping to get some longer naps from her so I can be more efficient at work. Here is my solution for those darn 45 minute naps.
The Fisher Price Rock and Play, I was desperate and this did the trick. JoJo has been napping in her crib since the day we brought her home from the hospital. Her room is centrally located so it was easy to lay her down in there and listen for her. I'm glad we did this because we have yet to face any resistance with her sleeping in her crib for naps or during the night. however, the problem with the crib and the short naps was me. When I come into help her go back to sleep I'm too distracting and she gets excited when she sees me. While this completely melts my heart and I love all the smiles, it almost surly means nap time is over. Insert rock and play. I can face her away from the door so when she wakes during a nap I can now sneak in and rock her back to sleep without causing too much distractions.
This works most of the time and she will normally sleep for another 45-60 minutes and wake up happy has a clam. I know this solution is not for everyone and I might be creating a bad habit that we will have to work on later but it is working for us now. I still try and do a couple naps a week in her crib just to mix it up and keep her comfortable with her napping in there during the day.
