A common question that I get asked by parents is, where should my baby sleep during the day? When it comes to ensuring a peaceful and restful sleep for your little one, choosing the right sleeping arrangement during the day is crucial. Let’s explore various options and I’ll give expert recommendations and guidance on where your baby should sleep during daytime naps. By understanding the factors to consider and following recommended practices, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your baby’s daytime sleep.
Importance of a Consistent Sleep Environment
When thinking about where your baby should sleep during the day, it is important to remember the significance of a consistent sleep routine and environment for your baby. So what exactly does that mean? It means that you need to honor their naps each day and that you should try and put them in the same safe sleeping space each day for their nap. This helps their brain begin to recognize that this place is meant for sleep and helps to promote sleep. Try to follow a Wake- Eat -Play – Sleep Schedule, and follow the appropriate awake windows for your baby, so that when naptime comes, they are ready for sleep. Keeping all of this consistent, helps to set their circadian rhythm as well, leading to better naps and better night sleep.
Recommended Sleeping Options
- A bassinet or crib are my first and most recommended sleep options for your baby. These offer a safe space for your child to sleep. Please be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines, making sure that there are no items in the crib except for a fitted crib sheet and there are no gaps between the mattress and the crib or bassinet. If your child is starting to exhibit the skill of rolling and is using a bassinet, then transition them to a crib for safety reasons.
- A Pack ‘n Play can be used as a place for your baby to sleep during the day. Please be sure that there are no items in the pack and play. To make the pack and play more comfortable for your little one, you can purchase a specific pack and play mattress, but make sure that the fit does not allow for any gaps between the mattress and the pack and play.
- Car, stroller and baby carrier naps are sometimes ineveitable or necessary. Making sure that you are doing all of these safely is of the upmost important. It is important to remember that naps in these spaces are never as restorative as a nap in a bassinet or a crib. If your baby’s naps consistently have to be in one of these daily, please reach out for support, so that you can also have a bit of downtime during the day while your baby naps. Trust me, if you are driving around for hours to get your baby to sleep in the car, I have bee there! There is hope!
It is always so important to consider all of the safety measures mentioned above. As tempting as it may be, avoid falling asleep on a couch or a bed with your baby, as this poses a great safety risk to your baby. Also, rockers are not recommended as safe sleeping spaces.
Setting Up An Ideal Sleep Space for Baby During the Day
Setting up the ideal sleep environment can be a huge help for your littles one to get a restful nap! Here are a few tips to get your baby’s sleep environment ready for snoozing:
- Comfort, Darkness and Temperature
Make sure that the room is dark, and comfortable and cool. Ideally we are looking for a temperature between 18 C – 22C (68 F – 72 F).
- Noise Level
Consider using a white noise machine to drown out environmental noise can be very helpful for your baby. Be sure to keep the white noise machine away from the crib, and on the lowest level.
- Naptime Routine
Establish a naptime routine that is between 5 and 15 minutes for your baby. Keep it consistent every day, just like where your baby sleeps during the day. Children thrive on predictability, and this will also come in handy in the toddler years!
Honor Naptime to Promote Healthy Sleep
Creating an optimal sleeping environment for your baby during the day is essential for their overall well-being and development. If your baby is not getting optimal daytime sleep, they will be overtired, leading them to have poor night sleep. By considering safety measures, comfort, and consistency, you can provide a nurturing space that promotes restful daytime sleep. Remember, every baby is unique, so it’s important to observe their cues and awake windows, and adjust the sleeping arrangement as needed. With these guidelines in mind, you can help your little one establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit them now and in the future.
If you are struggling with your baby’s naps or bedtime, I encourage you to reach out for support and guidance here and to sign up for my Getting Started Guide . Here’s to happy naps and some much needed downtime for yourself!