I need a bit of advice on daytime naps. Our little guy (just over 4 months) is sleeping great at night...he is easy to put down and generally goes about 11-12 hours straight with no wake ups.

The problem is DAY. I am a new SAHM so prior to this, there was no real nap routine as I was not home to see what the nanny was up to. There was definitely some stroller and rocking to sleep action going on and she never really put him in his crib, just the rock n play or would hold him.

Now, if I see sleepy cues and rock him while walking around for about 5 minutes he will fall into a deep sleep that continues once I put him in his crib. The BIG problem is he is already over 18 pounds (!!) and the walking around is breaking my back. Plus I know it has to end some time. If I sit down to rock him in the chair his eyes pop open (how does he know if I am standing or not?! haha).

If I put him straight into the crib while drowsy he does not cry but will stay awake thrashing around and talking for over half the naptime. And then only sleep like 20 minutes which results in crankiness later.

Should I just keep putting him down drowsy knowing there will be some crap naps for awhile until he can fall asleep on his own faster? Again, he is NOT crying but I always feel guilty because I know a 5 minute walk around will get him to sleep and he is obviously tired.

WWYD?