How Can I Help My Baby Take Longer Naps?
First, remember naps don’t develop until AFTER 4 months. Before that, short and irregular naps are normal! Check out my Naps Highlight on Instagram for more detail on that. However, if your baby is 5+ months and still struggling with short naps, here are 5 tips for better naps:
1. Have a Naptime Routine
Just like a bedtime routine lets your baby know it’s time to sleep, a nap time routine will do the same thing. It will trigger to their brain that it is time to wind down and sleep.
2. Black Out Those Windows!
If light is creeping in, it will tell their body it’s time to be awake. So, if your baby is waking up after one sleep cycle (30-45 minutes), it may be due to light coming through the windows. Make their room as dark as possible. My favorite blackout product is so easy to use and it actually blocks all the light out! I also love it because it’s reusable. Seriously, it’s amazing.
3. Check Their Wake Windows
Is baby overtired making it hard to fall asleep? Is baby not tired enough and needs a little more wake time? Pay attention to your baby’s cues. Typical wake windows look something like this:
0-12 weeks: 1 – 1.5 hours
3-4 months: 1.5 – 2 hours
5-7 months: 2 – 3 hours (This is about when that 3rd nap drops)
8-15 months: 4 – 5 hours (This is about when they move to one nap)
16-24+ months: 5 – 6 hours
4. Is Night Sleep Developed?
Night sleep comes before day sleep. So, if your baby isn’t sleeping through the night and is struggling with naps, focus on teaching them to sleep through the night first. Once they sleep all night for one week, you can turn your focus to naps. If you need help getting a solid night’s sleep, my e-book can guide you.
5. Keep Trying
If baby wakes up early, give them space and time to fall back asleep. If you keep getting baby out the second they wake up, it will encourage short naps and make it a habit. Encourage more sleep, not less!
Naps are developmental and like with most things, take time and consistency. Keep in mind that naps, like anything, take practice! Lots and lots of practice. Be consistent, adjust where you need to, and be patient. Don’t give up! Keep going.