We Make the Things That Make Nap Time Easy Ad
Have you figured out an ideal nap routine for your baby yet? Make sure you're doing these five things to help your baby nap consistently and get the rest they need!
Many parents have a solid bedtime routine in place and know that it does wonders for their child's sleep!
But many people overlook the importance of a good nap routine.
Having a few pre-nap rituals can go a long way in getting your baby or toddler down easier for their nap.
Your nap routine doesn't have to be fancy or even long.
Essentially it's a shortened version of your bedtime routine. Even doing the same 3 to 5 activities each day right before nap time can go a long way in helping prepare your baby for sleep.
Your little one is much more likely to sleep better if you keep a reliable routine. Let's talk about how to use a nap routine to improve your baby's daytime sleep!
Does My Baby Need a Nap Routine?
The short answer to this question is yes. A nap routine is important to help your baby get the daytime rest they need.
As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, I help my clients develop routines to help signal to their babies that rest time is near.
Your nap routine can involve whatever you like, and whatever makes the most sense for your family. I recommend that you keep it simple, short, and calm.
The most important aspect of a nap routine is that it is consistent! Keep the routine the same, so your baby learns to recognize the signals that mean it's time to sleep.
What Age Should You Start a Nap Routine?
The first few weeks at home with your newborn are going to be an adjustment for everyone. Don't stress yourself out about establishing an elaborate routine just yet!
You can, however, start getting into the habit of following a predictable daily flow during those first weeks at home.
Cycling through an eat-play-sleep routine helped to keep things steady for me in those tired new-mom days.
Eventually, as my daughter grew, she began to rely on that daily pattern too. Before we knew it, our days clicked into place and we both relied on the predictability.
Babies as young as three months old can start to recognize and settle in to a routine.
By then, their circadian rhythm and daytime sleep patterns start to regulate and become more consistent. Their day/night confusion is also subsiding.
You're welcome to begin incorporating a nap routine as early as three months old, but it's also never too late to start!
What Are the Keys to a Good Nap Routine?
Your pre-nap routine will be something that is unique and makes the most sense for you and your little one.
Whether your baby is a few months old or is an active toddler, there are some key components you'll need to develop a successful nap routine.
In general, your pre-nap routine should include the following:
1. A Routine You Can Do Anywhere
A good nap routine is one you can do anywhere. Naps-on-the-go are almost always a part of baby's life.
If you can use a few signals such as white noise or a special song, then you can do a little nap routine even if you're putting your baby down for sleep at grandma's house or as you go on a walk.
2. A Dark and Quiet Space
It's easier to fall asleep and sleep for longer stretches in a darkened space with limited noise exposure. I am a big fan of using blackout curtains in the nursery and a white noise machine to achieve an ideal sleep environment in your little one's room.
3. A Calming Activity
This can be as simple as singing a lullaby while you change your baby's diaper, or speaking in a quiet, calming tone as you read a short and simple book.
We kept a handful of nap-themed books next to our rocker to choose from. Once our nap routine was firmly established, my daughter would start yawning as soon as we cracked open the book!
4. Comfort Cues
A few quick cues can help your baby feel more comfortable and cue to their brain that sleep is coming.
After reading books, give a quick cuddle and then put your baby in a sleep sack. See my favorite sleep sacks here.
For older kids, it can be helpful to change them into their pajamas for nap time.
5. A Safe Sleep Surface
If you know me, you know I'm a stickler for sleep safety! Even for short naps, your baby needs to sleep on a safe surface like a bassinet, crib, or portable play yard.
As long as your nap routine includes these five main components, you'll be well on your way to establishing great napping habits!
Should the Nap Routine Be the Same as Bedtime Routine?
It's a good idea to make your nap routine similar to the bedtime routine, but shorter.
It's easier for your baby to recognize nap time signals if they're the same signals you use at bedtime.
Sometimes the bedtime routine includes more involved activities like bath time or applying calming lotion. These are things that can be cut out of the nap routine to keep it shorter.
Let's say your bedtime routine includes a diaper change, reading three books, and then snuggles. These are all things you can keep in the nap routine!
Keep things in the same order, but maybe choose one shorter book and cut down the length of cuddle time.
One thing that really helps your baby settle in to nap time is sleeping in the same place that they sleep at night.
For younger babies, this might mean napping in their bassinet. For older babies and toddlers this means napping in their crib.
Of course, life happens! Sometimes your baby will need to nap on the go in their stroller or car seat.
If you keep the nap routine activities and location similar to your bedtime routine, you'll have a much easier time getting your baby to sleep during those daytime hours!
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I'm Amy and I'm so glad you've stopped by! As a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, my goal is to walk you through the process of getting your baby to sleep, so your whole family gets the rest they need!
My blog is full of things to help you celebrate motherhood including baby nursery ideas, sleep schedules and sleep tips, fun printables, baby registry must-haves, and so much more.
Source: https://thepostpartumparty.com/nap-routine/
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