When I am contacted by parents about nap times, it’s often because their little ones are often only taking short, infrequent naps or that they are skipping nap time altogether. This can lead to their babies becoming overtired, therefore struggling to settle at bedtime and frequent night waking. On the flip side, it can sometimes be because their little ones are napping really well at home, but only take cat naps when out and about, so parents are feeling tied to the house everyday.
To help your little ones take consistently good naps for their age, there are a number of things you can do:
- Creating a positive, calm and dark environment for sleep is essential for us all. We would find it a struggle to fall asleep with lots of light and stimulation, and babies are no different. This is especially true from around 4 months when they are becoming much more aware of their surroundings.
- A consistent routine is another key factor in helping little ones to settle and stay asleep. With a naptime and bedtime routine, they learn the cues for sleep, allowing them to fall asleep more easily.
- Having naps out and about is great for fresh air, exercise or when on the way to or from activities. Using the pram or sling for this or to extend a short nap again, helps prevent little ones becoming overtired.
- Following my methods, to help your little one fall asleep independently in their cot, I always advise that if they do not settle after 45 minutes of sleep coaching, then a pram, sling or car nap is best, to prevent them from becoming overtired.
- When on holiday or away at family or friends, keeping to regular nap times can help them adjust. You can even add an additional late nap so they can stay up in the evening while you’re out for dinner.
- Appropriate naps and gaps for their age. The important thing to remember is that all babies are individual and some need more sleep than others, but most do well on a 12 hour day and 12 hour night routine.
Keep your little one sleeping soundly while on the move…
This is where the amazing Sun and Sleep SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe, comes in so handy. It helps create that dark environment with less visual stimulation so little ones can drift off to sleep easier and stay asleep for longer. It blocks out 97.5% of the sun’s rays and protects from the wind, chill & insects. It is also universal, so will fit all buggies and pushchairs. It’s super soft and the stretchy mesh is better than breathable – it’s air permeable, allowing the air to pass easily through it.
See all their full range at www.snoozeshade.com
If you would like 1-2-1 help with your little ones naps or sleep in general, please get in touch and I would be happy to help.
Sam, aka The Baby Guru
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