Is it possible some kids are just bad nappers?

In this post we recap one of our most recent podcast episodes and most frequently asked question! “How can I get my little one to nap longer?” Keep reading for some nap-time tips and the reality of a short nap!

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!
  • 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!
  • 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!

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SEASON 3 EPISODE 13 | TWO HOUR NAPS, RESTING AT DAYCARE, AND DRAMA WITH THE TWINS

SEASON 3 EPISODE 13 | TWO HOUR NAPS, RESTING AT DAYCARE, AND DRAMA WITH THE TWINS

We’ve got a brand new episode of The Moms on Call Podcast for you today, and it’s all about how two hour naps, resting at daycare, and drama with the twins! We’re here to help you take on the day with your little ones! Two hour naps is a hot topic! Jessica in Texas has a son who wants to sleep longer than recommended… so does she let him? If you’re at home with your kids and have the ability to let them sleep longer than recommended, should you? Or is it better for them to learn how to wake up on their own? And Lauren in Georgia wants to know how how she can manage twins who are alike in so many ways, but one has a much MUCH bigger personality than the other. If you have anything you want to ask Moms on Call, please leave us a message at 888-234-7979. We heard it too many times: “Babies don’t come with an instruction manual.” Instead of taking the old cliché at its word, we asked “why not?”. Visit our website for all that Moms on Call has to offer.
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Naps on the Go

Naps on the Go

When we’re out and about with baby, what’s Moms on Call’s general rule of thumb for hitting our nap and staying on schedule? We’ve got you covered! So, what to do when you return from running errands and it’s close to nap time (or nap time has already begun)? If you get home and there is more than half the nap left, then put baby down for their nap (feel free to take one yourself too)! If there is less then half the nap left, hang out, snuggle and get as close to the next feed time as possible! You’ve Got This!! Answers to your questions about naps on the go What happens if they are SO tired and can’t “make it” to nap time? They can doze on and off if needed, just don’t let them get too cozy for too long. Usually we can move them. Distraction is key! (Try and move every 10-20 minutes if they doze.) What if they fall asleep in the car? Do you still want them to sleep more? Yes! If more than half the nap left, follow nap per MOC routine. If less than half the nap is left, we can push to next feed time. Can they nap in their stroller or carrier if nap happens while we are out? Yes! Take a look at our blog, “How to Simplify Running Errands with a Baby” for more tips! My 8 week old is so tired after her feeds, she can’t make it the full hour and a half until nap. Can I put her down for nap sooner? Remember, they can doze before nap, we just don’t let them get too cozy for too long! Check that 15 minute grace period on either side of the schedule for getting to nap a few minutes sooner. How long are naps for a 5 month old baby? At this age, we get one 1-1.5 hour nap in the morning and then a nap of about 1.5-2 hours in the afternoon. Keep in mind, normal nap sleep cycles are 30-45 minutes. They will then toss and turn for 20 minutes before dozing again. At this age, we can stay out at nap time, and let little one find that comfy spot and get back to sleep on their own! In the Moms on Call Books, Online Courses, and Scheduler App 2.0 you can find our typical day schedules for two weeks to four years! Looking for More? Here is a list of blogs where we discuss naps! Short Naps | Questions & Answers Short Napsters Moms on Call’s Schedule Flexibility with a Newborn How to Simplify Running Errands with a Baby
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