In today’s post, I am sharing nine useful baby napping tips that could help your baby sleep better. Babies sleep a lot and it is completely normal. Often parents struggle to get their little one to fall asleep and stay asleep for at least more than a few minutes. In many instances, this issue can be resolved by knowing the do’s and don’ts of baby napping and making a few adjustments.
9 Useful Baby Napping Tips
1.) It is Normal For Babies To Sleep a Lot
Newborn babies can sleep up to sixteen hours a day, only waking up for nappy changes and feeds. When babies grow older, they will require less sleep during daytime and more during the night. By the time they reach six months, they should have about two to three naps per day and sleep through the night. However, not all babies are the same. For some, it may take a little longer.
2.) Look For Cues That Your Baby is Ready For a Nap
Babies often start yawning, rubbing their eyes, getting fussy or, cry when they’re becoming sleepy. If your baby is overtired, it will become a battle to get him to settle for sleep. That is why it is essential to look for these signs. Older babies might become clingy, hyperactive or clumsy. We went through times when I struggled with my JD to fall asleep.
Once he was asleep, it was okay because he only woke up once and something zero times during the night. But for him to pay a visit to dream land, he needed a bit of help. We used Tibbs Stress-away and it really helped us out. I still recommend it to parents when they tell me about their nightly baby woe’s. The Tibbs brand is a reputable brand and the product is completely natural. Taking him eventually off it was a breeze. He experienced zero side effects or other issues.
3.) Try To Take a Break After Feeding Before Putting Him Down For a Nap
It might be difficult at first since new borns tend to sleep most of the time. But as he grows older try to take a break after feeding, whether you’re bottle-feeding or nursing, before putting him down for his nap. It only has to be for a few minutes. Babies who fall asleep while feeding or soon after feeding struggle to learn how to fall asleep on their own eventually. You can maybe change his diaper or read him a story before putting him down for his nap.
4.) Routine is Everything
It is vital to establish a good bedtime and nap routine from early on. You will thank yourself later.
You can help your baby to sleep better by:
- Having him nap or sleep at the same times every day
- Putting him down in his crib every time it is nap time so that he starts associating his crib with sleep
- Not letting him nap too late in the afternoon otherwise he will struggle to fall asleep at night
5.) Take Your Baby Out of His Car Seat For His Nap
Short naps in his car seat is okay, however, never leave him in his car seat overnight. To lower the risk of SIDS, he should be placed on his back on a firm mattress inside his crib for naps.
6.) Wait Before Rushing in
Whimpers, sneezing, sometimes squeaks, sighs and hiccups are commonplace sleeping noises you will here from babies. Even a bit of fussing or crying is often signs that he is settling down for sleep. Wait a few seconds before going in to check on him. I know this is hard, but it will benefit you and him in the long-run. This doesn’t apply if you think he is hungry, unsafe, or uncomfortable.
7.) Try To Elongate Nap Times
Try to stretch out naps for babies older than six months. Try to keep him awake for a little longer and extend nap times. This can also contribute to better sleep at night.
8.) It is Okay To Put Him Down For a Nap While He’s Awake
Babies do not need to be sound asleep before you put them down for a nap. But wait until you notice any of his “sleepy” cues mentioned earlier. This will help him to fall asleep without he need for feeding, rocking or holding. When he wakes up during the night, it can help him to go back to sleep on his own.
9.) Safety Comes First
If your little one fell asleep on the waterbed, the couch, floor, or your bed, it is not safe to stay there. To help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) it is best to put him down on his back. Take away things like soft toys, crib bumpers and pillows from his bassinet or crib. Also, avoid putting him down with other kids or pets.
Conclusion
I hope these 10 useful baby napping tips has been insightful and that you will employ some of them to help your baby settle, fall asleep and remain asleep much easier. Remember when you have a new born to try and take naps whenever he is. It is stressful and tiring at first to get used to your new routine of getting up a few times every night.
When I had my baby I’ve never been so tired but it was all worth it. Today he is five and I have never regretted my decision to have a child. He changed my life , in a good way. Remember to be kind to yourself and don’t try to be the perfect parent, or meet everyone else’s expectations. You know what’s best for your baby and you are doing the best you can.
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