Nap Nanny Versus the Earplug

Congratulations to Jennifer – the winner of the Nap Nanny from her comment ‘I also like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on face book!’

I sleep with one earplug in my ear. It’s a habit formed 6 years ago when my infant daughter, Kendall, wouldn’t sleep in anything other than her car seat or swing. During a particularly bad stretch, the swing had to be moving. So there we were, my husband and I, lying in our bed wide awake while Kendall slept peacefully in her loudly swaying swing. It was out of my own need for a good night’s sleep that I began my relationship with the earplug.

It was one of our many adventures in getting Kendall to sleep throughout the course of her first year. She slept on my chest for a while, that is until I woke up in the middle of a nightmare and nearly launched her across the room. We did sleep train eventually. That CIO method is torture, but it eventually (and painfully) worked. Then we went on vacation and the pack-n-play just didn’t cut it, so it was back to the car seat… at 7 months old!!  At 9 months she was still sleeping peacefully in her car seat on the floor next to her crib. This was absurd and something had to give. 

After searching high and low on the internet to find something, anything that had a similar shape to that darn car seat, my husband, frustrated with my frustration, said, “Why don’t you just make the damn thing?”.  

Nap NannyThis was when I embarked on a journey that resulted in the Nap Nanny. It was all about sleep… not just for my baby, but for ME!!  The worst fights I’ve ever had with my husband were in the middle of the night when both of us were too exhausted to move, let alone tend to a crying baby. It didn’t help that my husband and I were both working. I was still full time as a sportscaster having gone back to work when Kendall was 10 weeks old. Getting home for the “Letterman feeding”, worked out nicely early on, but it didn’t take long for the three other “wake up calls” to start to wear on us.  

We all want our children to be comfortable. We all want them to be happy. But let’s face it, if we’re not comfortable and happy, how can we make them comfortable and happy? It’s a cycle that’s so often overlooked. If the baby gets no sleep, the parents get no sleep, which makes enjoying those early years a real challenge.  

So, my daughter just turned 7 and she’s no longer sleeping in her car seat! My son is 5 and never presented us with any sleep challenges. Neither got to use the Nap Nanny, but thousands of other parents have. One of the best emails I ever received from a mother and proud Nap Nanny owner was “thanks for giving me my life back”.  THAT is what this was all about in the first place:  happy baby; happy parents.  

I still use that earplug, even with the swing long since silenced. Some habits are hard to break. I’m just hopeful the Nap Nanny has put a small dent in the earplug industry.

Leslie Gudel

We have a Nap Nanny to give away to one lucky reader!

To enter pop to Nap Nanny site and tell us in a comment below which of the Nap Nanny washable cover designs is your favorite.

For bonus entries:

” The only portable infant recliner designed for sleep, play & peace of mind. Enter to win a @NapNanny via @RookieMommy http://wp.me/PC8a1-1N8 “

Be sure to enter a separate comment below for each of your bonus entries.

  • Giveaway is open to Continental USA only
  • Winner will be drawn at random
  • Contest closes March 4th 2011

Leslie is the owner and founder of  Nap Nanny® Chill™  -  a portable infant recliner designed for sleep, play and peace of mind. The innovative foam design cradles the infant while a safety harness holds the baby securely in place.  The 30 degree angle mimics the contours of a car seat, making the Nap Nanny Chill the perfect solution for babies who don’t like to sleep on their backs.  Also use for feeding time, play time, and managing multiples on your own.  

Satisfied Nap Nanny customers have consistently reported significant increases in sleep duration and infant comfort.  A large base made from high density foam provides maximum stability, while a new harness design ensures a safe, snug fit.  Weighing only 3 pounds, the Nap Nanny Chill travels and stores easily and includes a washable, waterproof cover.

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Read Other Recent Guest Blog Posts

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Michelle Ahlfeld with Breast is Best, but You Would Never Guess the Rest

Alexandra Hunt with Making a Difference

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Amanda ODair with I want to be the next Mamavation Mom

130 Responses

  1. Gillian Goldie, on February 18, 2011 at 2:34 pm said:

    Obviously –> the giraffe is an awesome cover design! How cool!

    Reply
  2. Gillian Goldie, on February 18, 2011 at 2:35 pm said:

    Liked The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on FB!

    Reply
  3. Gillian Goldie, on February 18, 2011 at 2:35 pm said:

    Liked Nap Nanny on FB!

    Reply
  4. Gillian Goldie, on February 18, 2011 at 2:36 pm said:

    Following Nap Nanny on Twitter!

    Reply
  5. Gillian Goldie, on February 18, 2011 at 2:37 pm said:

    Retweeted this contest on Twitter!

    Reply
  6. Nicole, on February 18, 2011 at 5:06 pm said:

    I love the blue

    Reply
  7. Nicole, on February 18, 2011 at 5:09 pm said:

    Just tweeted @mommyisshopping

    Reply
  8. Kimberly, on February 18, 2011 at 9:54 pm said:

    I like the camel minky flat. It would look good in any room.

    Reply
  9. Kimberly, on February 18, 2011 at 9:54 pm said:

    I follow on twitter @Aerated.

    Reply
  10. Kimberly, on February 18, 2011 at 9:55 pm said:

    I tweeted. Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Kristen M, on February 19, 2011 at 12:16 am said:

    I like the sage minky dot.

    Reply
  12. Kristen M, on February 19, 2011 at 12:17 am said:

    I like Nap Nanny on twitter.

    Reply
  13. Kristen M, on February 19, 2011 at 12:17 am said:

    I like Nap Nanny on Facebook

    Reply
  14. Kristen M, on February 19, 2011 at 12:19 am said:

    I like Rookie Moms on facebook

    Reply
  15. Kimberly, on February 19, 2011 at 1:32 pm said:

    Giraffe all the way!

    Reply
  16. Ali Troy, on February 19, 2011 at 3:54 pm said:

    We LOVE our Nap Nanny! My daughter sleeps so well in it! Thanks Leslie!

    Reply
  17. Nicole, on February 19, 2011 at 7:13 pm said:

    This looks awesome! I love the giraffe print.

    Reply
  18. Nicole, on February 19, 2011 at 7:14 pm said:

    I’m already a fan of rookie moms on facebook

    Reply
  19. Amber F., on February 19, 2011 at 10:14 pm said:

    I would love one of these. DD would only sleep curled up in a swing for 6 weeks and I was terrified she would fall out. Expecting #2 in June so would be good to be prepared for the same thing happening.

    Reply
  20. Amber F., on February 19, 2011 at 10:15 pm said:

    Liker of survival guide for rookie moms on fb

    Reply
  21. Suzanne, on February 21, 2011 at 6:42 pm said:

    Fabulous! I love the funky giraffe

    Reply
  22. Amber F, on February 21, 2011 at 6:42 pm said:

    I forgot to say my favourite design is giraffe

    Reply
  23. April Walker, on February 23, 2011 at 7:28 pm said:

    I love the Blue Confetti (but it is discontinued) so I would have to go with SAGE DOT as my fave!!!!

    Reply
  24. April Walker, on February 23, 2011 at 7:30 pm said:

    I am a fan of Nap Nanny on Facebook (dont have twitter… so much to keep up with already with 3 kids, including one preemie that doesnt let me put him down!!!)

    Reply
  25. April Walker, on February 23, 2011 at 7:32 pm said:

    Just became a fan of Rookie Moms on Facebook! Was looking at your page and you have some great giveaways! I never win ANYTHING but hoping my luck will change eventually ;)

    Reply
  26. 2 Happy Accidents, on February 24, 2011 at 12:56 am said:

    I like the sage.

    Reply
  27. 2 Happy Accidents, on February 24, 2011 at 12:59 am said:

    Tweet!

    @2happyaccidents

    The only portable infant recliner designed for sleep, play & peace of mind. Enter to win a @NapNanny via @RookieMommy http://wp.me/PC8a1-1N8

    Reply
  28. Stacey, on February 25, 2011 at 5:11 pm said:

    I like the Blue Minky Dot

    Reply
  29. Stacey, on February 25, 2011 at 5:12 pm said:

    Following Nap Nanny on Twitter

    Reply
  30. Stacey, on February 25, 2011 at 5:12 pm said:

    Like Nap Nanny on FB

    Reply
  31. Megan, on February 26, 2011 at 6:28 pm said:

    What a great idea! My favorite is the giraffe print!

    Reply
  32. Megan, on February 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm said:

    I am following NapNanny on twitter

    Reply
  33. Megan, on February 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm said:

    I liked NapNanny on Facebook

    Reply
  34. Megan, on February 26, 2011 at 6:31 pm said:

    I RTed on Twitter

    Reply
  35. Susi, on February 26, 2011 at 6:36 pm said:

    Giraffe!

    Reply
  36. Susi, on February 26, 2011 at 6:37 pm said:

    I’m a Survival Guide for Rookie Moms facebook fan

    Reply
  37. Kathryn Munger, on February 26, 2011 at 8:06 pm said:

    I like the camel because it will hide drool and spit up in addition to matching any room!

    Reply
  38. Elisha, on February 26, 2011 at 11:34 pm said:

    Blue for my boy :)

    Reply
  39. Leanne, on February 27, 2011 at 4:28 pm said:

    I like the camel minky flat. I would love one of these!

    Reply
  40. Deb80, on February 27, 2011 at 5:49 pm said:

    The giraffe print is cool – easily my choice :)

    Reply
  41. ConstantGardener, on February 27, 2011 at 9:50 pm said:

    Pink minky dot for my BFF’s new arrival Sophia.

    Reply
  42. Louise M., on February 28, 2011 at 5:41 pm said:

    I’ll have to go neutral and say sage.

    Reply
  43. Louise M., on February 28, 2011 at 5:41 pm said:

    I like Survival Guide on facebook

    Reply
  44. Lindsay B., on February 28, 2011 at 7:05 pm said:

    I love the giraffe print!

    Reply
  45. Alyssa, on March 1, 2011 at 4:21 am said:

    The giraff one is super cute!

    Reply
  46. Gemma, on March 1, 2011 at 2:18 pm said:

    I love the giraffe

    Reply
  47. EtsyQueen, on March 1, 2011 at 2:19 pm said:

    I’m a sucker for animal prints so giraffe design is the winner for me

    Reply
  48. sweetone624, on March 1, 2011 at 2:35 pm said:

    I love the Sage one.

    Reply
  49. sweetone624, on March 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm said:

    I follow on Twitter @LLLSummer

    Reply
  51. Tex Mex Mom, on March 1, 2011 at 5:26 pm said:

    I love love LOVE the giraffe cover

    Reply
  52. Carole, on March 2, 2011 at 5:22 pm said:

    I like the blue for a boy

    Reply
  53. Trisha Berens, on March 2, 2011 at 11:47 pm said:

    camel is favorite

    Reply
  54. Trisha Berens, on March 2, 2011 at 11:48 pm said:

    Fan of nap nanny

    Reply
  55. emma clark, on March 2, 2011 at 11:48 pm said:

    camel is a great gender neutral

    Reply
  56. Adam B., on March 2, 2011 at 11:50 pm said:

    camel

    Reply
  57. emma clark, on March 2, 2011 at 11:51 pm said:

    like nap nanny

    Reply
  58. Craig Wehrkamp, on March 2, 2011 at 11:56 pm said:

    giraffe

    Reply
  59. Jolene Berens, on March 3, 2011 at 4:40 am said:

    I like the camel color

    Reply
  60. Kristin, on March 3, 2011 at 1:32 pm said:

    I like the camel flat cover.

    Reply
  61. Kristin, on March 3, 2011 at 1:34 pm said:

    I like the Survival Guide on facebook.

    Reply
  62. Kristin, on March 3, 2011 at 1:35 pm said:

    I like the Nap Nanny on facebook.

    Reply
  63. Tricia G, on March 3, 2011 at 2:21 pm said:

    I like the pink milky cover! What a GREAT product!

    Reply
  64. Tricia G, on March 3, 2011 at 2:21 pm said:

    I “like” nap nanny on FB

    Reply
  65. Tricia G, on March 3, 2011 at 2:22 pm said:

    I “like” the guide on FB

    Reply
  66. Tricia G, on March 3, 2011 at 2:23 pm said:

    I follow Nap Nanny on Twitter!

    Reply
  68. Nik I, on March 3, 2011 at 2:47 pm said:

    The giraffe pattern is adorable!

    Reply
  69. Nik I, on March 3, 2011 at 2:49 pm said:

    I liked the Nap Nanny on FB!

    Reply
  70. Nik I, on March 3, 2011 at 2:50 pm said:

    I liked the survival guide for rookie moms on FB!!

    Reply
  71. Trisha W., on March 3, 2011 at 4:41 pm said:

    camel flat please

    Reply
  72. Adam Berens, on March 3, 2011 at 4:49 pm said:

    like nap nanny on facebook

    Reply
  73. Lacey Such, on March 3, 2011 at 5:44 pm said:

    I like nap nanny on fb

    Reply
  74. Lacey Such, on March 3, 2011 at 5:45 pm said:

    i love the pink

    Reply
  75. Lacey Such, on March 3, 2011 at 5:45 pm said:

    i like the survival guide for rookie moms on fb as well

    Reply
  76. stephanie girard, on March 3, 2011 at 5:45 pm said:

    I love the giraffe print
    chefsteph82@yahoo.com

    Reply
  77. crafty3mama, on March 3, 2011 at 5:46 pm said:

    like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook
    chefsteph82@yahoo.com

    Reply
  78. crafty3mama, on March 3, 2011 at 5:46 pm said:

    like nap nanny on facebook
    chefsteph82@yahoo.com

    Reply
  79. crafty3mama, on March 3, 2011 at 5:48 pm said:

    follow on twitter @yysmom
    chefsteph82@yahoo.com

    Reply
  81. Amanda Kletke, on March 3, 2011 at 5:51 pm said:

    I love the camel minky flat.

    Reply
  82. Rene, on March 3, 2011 at 5:53 pm said:

    Camel minky dot would be great as we’re not done having kids and my girl wears enough blue as it is. :)

    Reply
  83. Rene, on March 3, 2011 at 5:53 pm said:

    I like the Nap Nanny on FB.

    Reply
  84. Sarah, on March 3, 2011 at 5:54 pm said:

    I like the blue minky dot! So cute!

    Reply
  85. Rene, on March 3, 2011 at 5:54 pm said:

    I like you on FB!

    Reply
  86. Sarah, on March 3, 2011 at 5:54 pm said:

    I was already a fan of Nap Nanny on FB :-)

    Reply
  87. Sarah, on March 3, 2011 at 5:55 pm said:

    I like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on FB

    Reply
  88. Darla Tilstra, on March 3, 2011 at 6:28 pm said:

    giraffe is cute

    Reply
  89. Kelly Hein, on March 3, 2011 at 6:39 pm said:

    I like Survival Guide on facebook

    Reply
  90. Kelly Hein, on March 3, 2011 at 6:39 pm said:

    like nap nanny on facebook

    Reply
  92. Kelly Hein, on March 3, 2011 at 6:42 pm said:

    fan of rookie moms on facebook

    Reply
  93. Kelly Hein, on March 3, 2011 at 6:42 pm said:

    I love love LOVE the giraffe cover my preemie will love this shes a month old with reflux issues

    Reply
  94. Diana Jenner, on March 3, 2011 at 6:44 pm said:

    Giraffe!!!!

    Reply
  95. amber peterson, on March 3, 2011 at 7:15 pm said:

    I love the confetti dot cover!! Soo colorful! Great invention! I need one for my preemie that was born alittle over a pound!

    Reply
  96. Heidi, on March 3, 2011 at 8:49 pm said:

    My favorite cover design is the giraffe.

    Reply
  97. Heidi, on March 3, 2011 at 8:51 pm said:

    I like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook!

    Reply
  98. Heidi, on March 3, 2011 at 8:52 pm said:

    I like Nap Nanny on Facebook!

    Reply
  99. Heidi, on March 3, 2011 at 8:53 pm said:

    I follow Nap Nanny on Twitter.

    Reply
  100. Jennifer, on March 3, 2011 at 8:59 pm said:

    I love the Minky blue one. This would be great for my son who is coming home tomorrow after being the nicu for 71 days. He cant sleep laying on his back or even play on his back because his heart rate drops and he has reflux so this would be wonderful for him! you guys are great!!!

    Reply
  101. Jennifer, on March 3, 2011 at 9:00 pm said:

    I also like the nap nanny on facebook!

    Reply
  102. Heidi, on March 3, 2011 at 9:00 pm said:

    I retweeted the contest.

    Reply
  103. Jennifer, on March 3, 2011 at 9:01 pm said:

    I also like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on face book!

    Reply
  104. Stacey Wood, on March 3, 2011 at 9:15 pm said:

    Liked the Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on Facebook!

    Reply
  105. Stacey Wood, on March 3, 2011 at 9:17 pm said:

    Almost forgot.. Like the cover.. Minky Dot Pink!

    Reply
  106. Stacey Wood, on March 3, 2011 at 9:18 pm said:

    Liked the Nap Nanny on Facebook!

    Reply
  107. Stacey Wood, on March 3, 2011 at 9:27 pm said:

    Following Nap Nanny at Twitter!

    Reply
  108. Stacey Wood, on March 3, 2011 at 9:57 pm said:

    Retweeted contest!

    Reply
  109. Stacy Keown, on March 3, 2011 at 11:31 pm said:

    I like the sage or blue one. We have twin boys in the nicu that are having problems with reflux this would be great!

    Reply
  110. Stacy Keown, on March 3, 2011 at 11:32 pm said:

    Liked the nap nanny on facebook!

    Reply
  111. Stacy Keown, on March 3, 2011 at 11:34 pm said:

    liked The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook!

    Reply
  112. kate bourassa, on March 4, 2011 at 12:29 am said:

    i like the blue dots i am also a fan of nap nany on facebbok

    Reply
  113. kate bourassa, on March 4, 2011 at 12:29 am said:

    i like the blue dots myself but they all look nice

    Reply
  114. kate bourassa, on March 4, 2011 at 12:30 am said:

    i like the pink dots

    Reply
  115. kate bourassa, on March 4, 2011 at 12:31 am said:

    i like the sage green one

    Reply
  116. Kimberly Ragsdale, on March 4, 2011 at 2:38 am said:

    I love the sage minky cover.

    Reply
  117. Kimberly Ragsdale, on March 4, 2011 at 2:38 am said:

    I am a fan of Nap Nanny on FB!

    Reply
  118. Kimberly Ragsdale, on March 4, 2011 at 2:40 am said:

    Also a fan of The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on fb!

    Reply
  119. Kimberly Ragsdale, on March 4, 2011 at 2:42 am said:

    Following Nap Nanny on twitter!!

    Reply
  120. Kimberly Ragsdale, on March 4, 2011 at 2:44 am said:

    Retweeted http://twitter.com/#!/KimberlyRags

    Reply
  121. Anja M., on March 4, 2011 at 3:08 pm said:

    I like the “Confetti Pink” Cover.

    Reply
  122. Anja M., on March 4, 2011 at 3:09 pm said:

    I like “The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms” on Facebook. (Anja M.)

    Reply
  123. Anja M., on March 4, 2011 at 3:10 pm said:

    I like “Nap Nanny” on Facebook. (Anja M.)

    Reply
  124. Anja M., on March 4, 2011 at 3:10 pm said:

    I follow “Nap Nanny” on Twitter. (@anjathisandthat)

    Reply
  125. Anja M., on March 4, 2011 at 3:11 pm said:

    Tweet

    Reply
  126. Jamie, on March 4, 2011 at 4:55 pm said:

    I like the minky blue dot one. My little one hates the car seat because he doesn’t like riding in the car, so he fusses.. but he loves reclining. This would be so perfect as an alternative for our caregiver who has trouble getting him to fall asleep for naps!

    Reply
  127. Felicia, on March 4, 2011 at 5:20 pm said:

    I like the Sage Minky Dot.

    Reply
  128. Felicia, on March 4, 2011 at 5:22 pm said:

    follow Nap Nanny on twitter @fce431

    Reply
  129. Felicia, on March 4, 2011 at 5:24 pm said:

    tweet

    Reply
  130. Lisa, on March 6, 2011 at 5:03 pm said:

    I love the sage dot Nap Nanny!

    I have an 8 year old that didn’t sleep unless he was held nursed or in a carseat. I wish we had a nap nanny when he was a baby… It looks like their hips are less flexed and that is a lot better for a baby’s back and hips than extended time in a carseat!

    Great product!

    Reply

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