How can I get my baby to nap longer? This is a question that most parents ask and would really want to get answers. Nap times are important both to you and your little one, it makes schedules much easier and gives you some downtime to attend to your personal duties and also catch some sleep too.
Having your baby nap for less than 30 minutes can be so stressful to moms or caregivers, it will therefore mean your day activity is cut short, but worry less, we got you, here are a few steps you can adhere to that will prolong your child’s daytime rest!
- Understand and regulate your baby’s sleep pattern.
You need to know that every baby has her sleep schedule, some take longer than 45 minutes, some nap more than three times a day, and therefore you need to know and figure out when your baby’s ideal nap times are and stick to them. Get to know how long they take from one nap to another, this will make you have an easy time helping them transition into the next cycle. Once you master your baby’s daytime rest pattern, it will be smooth for you to get her back to sleep when she wakes up in the middle of a nap.
- Have a nap time routine.
Do you have a nap time routine; or rather is your nap time routine proper? Well, you need to create a proper nap time routine or rethink your normal nap time routine. Have a routine that cues your baby’s body for bed, have bedtime stories, cuddle sessions, rock her, this will soothe her to sleep, and she is likely to have a longer peaceful nap. Do not let your baby cry herself to sleep!
- Create a nap-friendly environment.
Simply prevent factors that may wake her up, like sirens, ringing phones, doorbells, blaring TVs, such may wreak havoc on your baby’s sleeping pattern. Additionally, make sure your little one napping place is cool and at a comfortable temperature to ensure the most prolonged, uninterrupted sleep possible.
Your baby’s nap space should be dim with drawn curtains that let a touch of light in, this will help to keep your little one’s Circadian rhythm in sync.
- Feed your baby 20-30 minutes before nap time.
A growling tummy is likely to wake your kiddo up prematurely, give them a snack or a light meal minutes before their rest time. Babies will sleep longer when their bellies are full, and this means that when your child is hungry, she’s not going to be able to get any sleep.
- Stick to the nap time routine.
Toddlers thrive on routine, and sticking to these routines helps your baby nap longer because his body is trained to sleep the same each day. The most precious thing about being consistent every day is that you’ll always have time each day for YOU. The nap schedules shouldn’t have to be strenuous, you have the power to make it smooth and flexible, by sticking to the set routines.
Keep in mind that nap training takes time. It might take longer than you expected to start seeing the results and that’s perfectly okay, all you have to do is stick to the routine every day and eventually, your baby will learn to nap peacefully and even longer.
It is also important to master your baby’s overall sleep time and know when to drop a nap, shorter naps might mean that your baby is comfortable and prefers to sleep longer at night!