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Nap Know-How

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Have you ever seen the kids sleeping in strollers at the mall or even an amusement park, clearly unbothered by the noise or what is going on around them? Before I became a mother, I assumed getting a child to nap was as simple as giving the child a space to rest. A dozen years and six kids later, I have learned the hard way it is rarely that simple. Nap time can be a battle between parent and child that leaves you everyone exhausted rather than rested. And so parents search for suggestions to make things go more smoothly, ultimately resulting in more rest for everyone.

Tips for the newborns

Having their days and nights mixed up is common for newborns.The goal for this age is to help babies sleep more at night and take many short naps in between feedings during the day. Newborns need up to 16 hours of sleep per day, and it’s okay if they rest in their cribs, in the car or in your arms. You cannot spoil a newborn baby with too many snuggles. Play and interact with your baby during daytime hours and create quiet restful times at night to encourage correct sleep patterns.

Tips for infants

 At 3 months old, babies can sleep five- or six-hour stretches at night. This is a great time to start introducing a nap schedule. Consistency is key, and parents often have success by creating a routine. Turn down the lights, snuggle in the chair, read a book or sing a song, swaddle Baby and lay him down while still awake but sleepy. Babies learn what to expect by routine, and when they start to recognize the bedtime cues, they will begin to relax and prepare for nap time. During this stage, babies typically take two naps per day. Some parents will set the nap schedule by taking note of when Baby wakes up. Two to three hours later they start their nap time routine, followed by lunch or midday feeding and playtime. Similarly, the afternoon nap would follow two to three hours after the child wakes up from morning nap, followed by dinner or evening feeding, playtime, bath time and bedtime. The bedtime routine should be similar to the pre-nap routine to create consistency. Once the nap time schedule and routine are established, continue to be consistent  and nap time will become a positive experience for both of you.

Tips for toddlers

Usually between 12 and 18 months, your child will begin to give up her morning nap. While this may worry some parents, it can be freeing. Moving to one long nap in the afternoon can give parents more freedom to explore activities in the morning with their child. Some parents may find that moving the afternoon nap to an earlier time as they make this transition may be easier for the child. If you prefer a later afternoon nap, begin moving the time by 15 minutes until you reach the time that works for you.

Tips for preschoolers

Most kids will give up naps between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. As parents guide the transition out of naps, providing a quiet time to rest is still very important, as kids of all ages (and their caregivers) need downtime to recharge. Provide a quiet space either in the bedroom or a comfy chair for them to play quietly, read, listen to music or watch a favorite show. Get the whole family to participate, including Mom and Dad. This may be a nap for some, reading a book for others or drawing or journaling for some.

Nap Time Disruptions and Solutions

Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

 

 

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