Naps are an essential part of a baby and toddler’s sleep development. Your child should be taking naps until about four or five years old. If you have an older child that still likes or needs naps, that’s perfectly fine. There’s no harm in sleep!
For many parents, naptime is a time of frustration. In the beginning, you did whatever was necessary to get your child to sleep, even if that meant creating a sleep association. But around six months, you should be teaching your child to sleep independently during naptime. These tips will help.
(Remember that nighttime sleep will be pretty consistent during the first few years, but nap times will fluctuate as your child grows.)
1. Solve nighttime sleep first – If your baby has a sleep crutch (like needing to be rocked or preferring to sleep in your arms), it’s OK to permit it during naps until you’ve solved nighttime sleep. This way you both can get nighttime sleep, instead of you staying up all night helping your baby sleep. Babies have an easier time sleeping in a totally dark room after their bedtime routine anyway.
2. Look for sleep cues – Those sleep cues (drowsiness, yawning, eye rubbing, etc.) happen during the day too. They aren’t being silly. Those are real indicators that it’s time for some more sleep.
3. Use a modified bedtime routine – The benefit of the bedtime routine is that is signals your child that sleep is coming so their brains and bodies get into the sleep mode. You can use elements of your bedtime routine during the day to signal sleep as well, although you might omit some pieces, like bath time.
4. Use the same sleep space – Your baby will grow accustomed to his/her sleep space, so you want them to sleep in the same spot during naps as they do at night. It might be easier to lie baby in the play yard in the living room so you can keep an eye on them, but you’re confusing them by changing sleep environments. Keep the sleep space identical, down to the lighting and white noise if you can.
5. Nap at home – To achieve #4, you have to always nap at home. A nap in the car seat, while better than nothing, isn’t a true nap (although you should understand that it’s going to happen occasionally and not to worry about it). Plan your daily activities so you can be home during naps.
6. Get out of the room – A parent’s presence can be stimulating to many children. You may think they’ll find you sitting by the crib comforting, but it just makes them want to play and interact. When it’s sleep time, ensure the sleep space is safe and comfortable, and then leave the room.
7. Make the time – Contrary to popular belief, a missed nap will not make your baby sleep better at night. A well-rested baby is will fall asleep longer, sleep sounder, and sleep longer.
8. 45 minutes is not a nap – 45 minutes may seem like a while, but it’s barely enough time for your baby to get through a sleep cycle. A good nap is two full sleep cycles, so 1.5 hours or more is ideal. If your baby is waking up after 20 or 30 minutes, coax them back to sleep.
Do your kids nap well?
Written by Doodle Pants Team
Doodle Pants is an exciting collection of stylish toddler leggings for girls and boys, wild animal prints, and charming original characters. Little ones (3 months to 3T) can squiggle and wiggle with ease thanks to a roomy seat, stretchy ribbed cuffs and a comfortable elastic waistband. They’re made with thick, flexible material that holds up and is easy to wash. Whether running havoc on the playground or dressing up for an impromptu dolly tea party, these are the perfect pieces for a frolicking fun time.
For more information, visit http://www.doodlepants.com.
Interested in writing a guest blog for Doodle Pants? Send your topic idea to pr@doodlepants.com.
All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Doodle Pants makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.