4 top tips for baby naps
They are accountable of restless hours, sleep deprivation, making you forget about the existence of privacy and yet — more than an ordinary blessing — the one that brings mad love out of you.
Newborns are the ultimate test for time management and naps will ease your way through the first months spent with your little one. Not only do naps spare time for other activities but along with proper sleep health, naps will improve your baby’s emotional mindset when awake. To add to your survival guide, because babies are more than a challenge but no one ever says so, here are tips to get your baby resting:
1. Consistent Schedule.
Newborns sleep an average of 16 hours per day and night combined, once they reach four months they start taking either two to three naps a day. Their tender age means they need many hours of sleep, therefore it is important to set a schedule that adapts to baby’s internal clock without disturbing bedtime. Creating a nap-time for your little one will bring stability into their metabolism and improve rest, which will boost their mood and energy during the day. Once your baby gets used to the schedule it won’t be hard to get them to fall asleep. Exceptions will happen and won’t do any harm, but to avoid the frustration it is recommended to try to stick to the established nap schedule.
2. Read the signs.
The signs that your baby shows to you are a suggestion of the time to help you determine the right sleeping schedule for your special little one. They might not show all at once but you should look for yawns, an unsettled mood and eye rubbing during the time spent with your very awake and energetic baby.
3. Setting up the ambience.
Assembling a space for napping will act as an indicator for your baby’s acknowledgement of the intended activity; for this try to set up a room separated from noise, minimise the natural and artificial light, this includes electronic devices that also act as a distractor for your baby when going to sleep.
4. Feeding hours.
Going to bed with a fully charged stomach is an unhealthy habit, even for adults. Your baby finds it soothing to be feed right before bedtime but don’t allow it to make a habit of it. Your baby will get a better day rest if you feed them after they wake up and this also helps to prevent colic and aids a better digestion. However, if your baby is hungry and crying we always would suggest you feed your baby, even if they are due a nap afterwards. Feeding schedules take time to master, and just remember that all tips are suggestions. Everything should be tailored around your little one.
Persistence is key when it comes to getting your baby to nap, and it’s okay if you don’t have an established routine. Routines do help to make things a little easier, but everything is dependent on your baby’s needs and yours as well. Do you have any tips for helping your baby to nap through the day? Let us know on Instagram @babymoriofficial
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