How to Optimize Your Child’s Naps
Hands down, nap time has been the most stressful part of sleep training reported by many families I’ve spoken with. Nap training can be done at the same time as night training or after nights have been established. Most of the time, it’s best to work on both naps and nights at the same time because children will quickly realize that all sleep times have the same expectations.
Here are some tips to help optimize your child’s naps:
- Newborns: Watch sleep cues- not the clock. Newborns don’t need to be on rigid schedules. The most important thing is letting mom heal from delivery, bonding with the baby and establishing feeding routines.
- Newborns: catnaps are normal and can last 30-45 minutes.
- Offer a feeding/lunch before nap time, but not the last thing before they sleep. You want them to be full, but you don’t want to create a sleep association with food.
- Just like bedtime, have a routine and keep it the same every day. Your naptime routine can be a shorter version of your bedtime routine.
- Avoid screen-time before naps.
- I know naps in the car or stroller are sometimes unavoidable, but try to limit how many naps are being taken in the car or stroller. Car and stroller naps are not restorative sleep and a child should always sleep on a firm, flat mattress when it is available.
- Naps should be limited to two hours each. Anything longer than that will most likely take away from nighttime sleep and result in either frequent wakings or early morning wake up. This rule applies to children who are on two naps per day. For more information about one nap per day or 3+ naps, send me an email at mygoodnighttrain@gmail.com and I’ll be glad to help!
- Establish a quiet rest time once your child is not napping anymore. This should last at least 1 hour, but can be up to 2 hours.
Block out lights and sounds. I’m a HUGE advocate for blackout shades and white noise. It wasn’t until my oldest child was about 6 months old that I discovered these things and I wish someone had told me sooner! They are a must-have, ESPECIALLY for naps!
Block out lights and sounds. I’m a HUGE advocate for blackout shades and white noise. It wasn’t until my oldest child was about 6 months old that I discovered these things and I wish someone had told me sooner! They are a must-have, ESPECIALLY for naps!
If you’re still struggling with naps, and you’re ready to start working together, let’s set up a time to chat!
Some things to think about when deciding when you want to start sleep training your baby/toddler:
- Ensure it’s the proper timing- make sure your baby isn’t sick, you aren’t traveling, or you don’t have any big life changes coming (new baby, moving, switching jobs/childcare, etc.).
- Be prepared to put in the work. Consistency will pay off in the long run. Sleep training isn’t overnight success; it takes many nights and dedication to help your baby learn to sleep.
Create a plan, or invest in a sleep consultant. If you choose to work with me, I will assess your baby’s sleep habits and write a customized step by step sleep plan for your baby. No two plans are the same, just as no two babies are the same. My sleep plans are based on your child’s temperament, age, parental preference and so much more! My sleep packages also come with unlimited support for the duration of your purchase- you can ask me anything and share every triumph and victory!
Create a plan, or invest in a sleep consultant. If you choose to work with me, I will assess your baby’s sleep habits and write a customized step by step sleep plan for your baby. No two plans are the same, just as no two babies are the same. My sleep plans are based on your child’s temperament, age, parental preference and so much more! My sleep packages also come with unlimited support for the duration of your purchase- you can ask me anything and share every triumph and victory!
Sweet Dreams!
Missy Yandow
#sleeptips #sleepconsultant #sleeptraining
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