This week we are recapping a popular podcast episode, Is It Possible Some Kids Are Just Bad Nappers? Morgan from North Carolina asks, "What advice do you have to get my 5-month-old taking longer naps?"
When little ones wake unexpectedly from a nap (on a normal basis) it can often feel, as the parent, it is our responsibility to get them back to sleep. In response parents often snatch them up trying to find a way to get them back to sleep. When in reality, we are stimulating them. Those 5 minutes spent trying to get little one back to sleep can feel like a lifetime! We get it! Often what little one needs, is the opportunity to get back to sleep on their own. Let's take a look at the reality of what naps look like, and some tips to get all the details in place that will provide your little one with a safe, consistent sleep environment each day!
For Nap time, We Want to Establish a Few Key Tips!
- For nap time, we can have natural light.
- No need to open the blinds, but natural light can be let in!
- Not all sound machines are equal!
- We recommend the LectroFan Classic. Here's Why!
- Place the sound machine about 12 inches from the head of the bed, on a dresser or side table, on LOUD!
- Comfort! Although we don't have to put babies in footed PJs during naps, we do want to be sure what they are wearing does not restrict movement.
- Under 3 months of age, the baby is swaddled.
- Over 3 months of age, we do not recommend sleep sacks, as this can often hinder them from rolling over, causing added frustration!
- Before nap, give your little one the opportunity to get that frustration out!
- Our little ones are growing and hitting developmental milestones each day!
- For a baby around 5 months, like our caller, we may want to offer some tummy time, floor play, baby massage, a walk in the stroller, or practice with rolling over!
- Our little ones are growing and hitting developmental milestones each day!
- Then, we lay the baby down slightly awake. They may be lightly dozing, but we want to give them the space to move about and find their comfy spot!
- Set realistic expectations!
- Typically, the baby will get to sleep in about 10-15 minutes! They will sleep for about 30-45 minutes, wake, fuss and cry, and out, and likely get back to sleep after about 10-20 minutes! Then they will likely doze for another 20-30 minutes.
- Over 3 months of age, we can give them this opportunity to find that comfy spot and get back to sleep on their own!
- Typically, the baby will get to sleep in about 10-15 minutes! They will sleep for about 30-45 minutes, wake, fuss and cry, and out, and likely get back to sleep after about 10-20 minutes! Then they will likely doze for another 20-30 minutes.
- Provide a consistent nap time!
- When realistically possible, try to start 2 naps at the same time each day.
We have curated the most beautiful nursery, sleep environment, and consistent routine and they do the rest! No nap is perfect! Realistically, at this age, we will have 1 better nap and 1 not so perfect one each day! There will be days nap is more successful than others, and that is okay!
Looking for More?
Here is a list of blogs where we discuss naps!
