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Snooze Patrol! A Guide to Baby’s Naps

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            The first couple of weeks of figuring out how to take care of a tiny new human can be tough for parents. On top of feedings, diaper changes and doctor appointments, somehow you must figure out when your little one is ready for a nap each day and how long he should be sleeping. Rest assured, you’re not alone, and there are answers to these questions!

            Watch for your baby’s cues when trying to figure out when she’s tired. After the first week or two with a newborn, you’ll catch on to her sleepy signs. If you notice your little one yawning, rubbing her eyes or giving other signs she’s winding down (crying, fussiness, disinterest in eating), she’s probably ready for a nap. So how long should Baby sleep? That all depends on age.

            Newborns: Believe it or not, newborn babies may sleep about 16 hours a day (waking for feedings and changings), and two to four hours at a time, day and night. At this stage, don’t expect any sort of pattern in napping. Instead, just let Baby sleep as long as he needs. Keep in mind that newborns are sensitive to changes in light, noise and temperature, which can disrupt their ability to relax and fall asleep. So, choose one safe, consistent area for Baby’s nap time and create the right ambiance. Be sure the room is dark and quiet, and it shouldn’t be too hot or cold. Baby’s sleepwear is also important, as the right clothing can also help her relax and fall asleep more quickly.

            6 to 8 weeks: By this time, your baby will probably be sleeping less often but for longer stretches. He will probably need two to four naps a day, though he may prefer more.

            2 to 3 months: If you haven’t noticed a sleep pattern developing with your baby’s naps by now, it’s time to take action. When your child naps at the same time each day, her internal clock is set to be sleepy at those moments. So catch your little one’s natural “sleep window” and put her down for her nap when she’s sleepy, but not overtired. When you do this, your baby will readily fall asleep. However, miss your baby’s sleep window, and his body will emit hormones that’ll give him a second wind. This makes it much harder for him to fall asleep.

            3 to 4 months: At this stage, many babies begin to follow a more predictable daytime sleep pattern. This is a good time to start developing a nap schedule. Remember to do your best to give your baby a chance to nap at the same times each day, but keep in mind that you can’t determine how and when he’ll nap. Only he can. His temperament and natural rhythms are what will help him. While some babies nap for long stretches and easily fall into a sleep pattern, others do better with shorter naps.

            5 to 6 months: By the time Baby is between 5 and 6 months old, she will probably be taking two or three naps a day (one in the morning, one in the early afternoon and one later in the afternoon). Many babies are also sleeping through the night around this time—but not all. If your little one isn’t quite sleeping through the night just yet, it’s okay. Every child is different.

            9 to 12 months: Somewhere between these months, many babies wind down to two naps a day. They typically take one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and by 18 months, most children give up their morning nap and, instead, snooze in the afternoon. This pattern usually continues until they’re 3 or 4 years old, though many don’t taper off napping until age 5.

            Although it’s tempting, it’s not a good idea to rely on having Baby nap in the car during errands. Once in a while is okay. However, if you constantly let Baby nap on the go, your child may not get the rest he needs. If your schedule is packed, and he always seems tired, think about cutting back or rearranging your schedule. You might also consider using a sitter or friend to help out so your little one gets the rest his body needs. Once your baby gets used to a daily nap schedule, stay consistent with it. A healthy nap schedule is vital to creating healthy patterns of sleep and ensuring your baby gets the deep sleep she needs.

Try these positive sleep associations to help Baby look forward to napping:

Mom and author Gina Klein resides in Kansas City with her husband, two teen daughters and many furry (and feathered) kids.

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

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