Is your baby struggling with naps or not napping at all? As a Certified Child Sleep Consultant, I know that one of the easiest ways to keep your infant’s naps on track and stick to it is by getting SUPER SPECIFIC with what you’re doing, when you’re doing it, and where you’re going to do it.
I remember, all too well, the pull between mom and tot classes, playdates or coffee with a friend, and staying home so that my little one could take their naps. Honoring your little one’s daytime sleep is so important, and it aids with their nighttime sleep as well. An overtired baby is an unhappy baby and a baby who will struggle to fall asleep at bedtime.
Here are 3 ways to stay on track with your infants naps:
1- Create and establish a consistent naptime routine. Keep it between 5 and 15 minutes. Do the same things in the routine every single day, as your baby thrives on predicability. Here is an example: Change diaper; put on pjs and/or sleepsack; read one short story; sing a little song and have a cuddl; into crib awake; lights off.
2- Check the appropriate awake windows for your baby’s age. If your infant is overtired or under- tired, it can make it extremely difficult for your little one to fall asleep at naptime. It can also be very helpful to follow a Wake-Eat-Play-Sleep routine to keep everything consistent. This would ensure that their feed is after their nap, instead of before, which will help break the feed to sleep association. Check out my handy Awake Windows Cheat Sheet here.
3- Honor their sleep space during the day. Your baby should be sleeping in their safe sleep space (crib or bassinet) for every nap, so that they become used to this being their safe space to sleep. Occasionally, is it okay to have a car or stroller nap on the go? Yep! Just keep in mind that those naps are not as restorative, so be sure to offer naps in their regular space the next day and you may need an early bedtime that evening.
Give it a try this week and let me know how it goes. If you want to chat more, I’m here.
Book a complimentary call with me today for more support and guidance.
Book a complimentary call with me today for more support and guidance.