Why does my baby take short naps?
Should I be worried if my baby isn’t taking long naps?
Babies need to nap because sleep is essential for their physical and cognitive development. During sleep, babies' brains are busy processing information and consolidating memories from the day. Napping allows babies to get the sleep they need to grow and develop properly.
In addition, napping can help improve babies' mood, behavior, and overall well-being. Babies who don't get enough sleep are more likely to be fussy and irritable, and may have difficulty focusing and learning new things. Everything in life is more fun with a well rested baby!
It's also worth noting that babies have different sleep needs at different ages. So try to understand what your baby needs rather than comparing their sleep to others. As they grow and develop, their sleep needs may change. If you’re struggling to figure out how much sleep your little one needs or an appropriate schedule, our team of baby and toddler sleep coaches can help!
How can I help my baby take longer naps?
It's completely normal for babies to have short naps, especially in the first few months of life. However, there are a few things you can try to help your baby nap longer:
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep the room dark, quiet, and cool. Use white noise to drown out any distractions.
Establish a naptime routine: A consistent bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. This might include a diaper change, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.
Work on teaching your baby to fall asleep independently. This will make it easier for them to fall back asleep after waking up from a nap.
Be patient: It can take time for your baby to learn to nap for longer periods. It's important to be patient and consistent with your approach.
You also want to make sure that your baby is getting enough sleep overall. Babies have different sleep needs at different ages, but as a general rule, infants between the ages of 4 and 12 months should be getting 14-16 hours of sleep per day, including naps. If your baby is consistently having trouble sleeping it may be from overtiredness. Sleep begets sleep for babies, keeping them up will not help them sleep better!
How does Sleep Baby Consulting Help with Naps?
Our incredible team of certified sleep coaches are trained to teach you how to help your baby learn to take long, restorative naps. We know how important daytime sleep is and our baby and toddler sleep experts will work with you to establish a great routine for both daytime and nighttime sleep.
Our sleep coaching takes place through one-on-one custom sleep consultations. We have sleep consulting designed for both babies and toddlers to meet their differing needs. After you purchase your sleep consulting package, you’ll be connected with a sleep consultant in your area or that we feel would be a good fit to work with your family. You can request your consultant too! Your sleep consultant will reach out to schedule a time for your consultation, answer any questions you may have, and learn more about your baby and family. After the consultation you’ll receive support for up to two weeks with your consultant to answer questions as they arise.
Unlike with books or blogs, our custom infant and toddler sleep consulting is designed for your baby and your family. Your coach is dedicated to your success and making sure that your baby is sleeping soundly when you wrap up. We have proven success and have worked with thousands of families worldwide. Get started with great sleep and book today!
