Managing Your Baby's Naps
If I were to design an insignia of the early years, it would be a picture of a precious baby innocently napping.
Up to 3 Months
By three months, your little one will have three regular and predictable naps (mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and a short one in early evening). Youâll probably organize them into a flexible schedule to help you plan your day and give your child the predictability and routine that all infants crave.
To promote your babyâs self-soothing skill, make sure her eyes are open when you place her down for the nap. If she has already fallen asleep in your arms, just give her a little jostle when you deposit her in the bassinet (the wake-and-sleep technique). Your infant will nap much more soundly ifâover the first four monthsâyou use swaddling, rough white noise, and perhaps even rocking in a fully reclined swing (always ask your childâs doctor for permission to do this) to help naps get established more easily.
In fact, you want to make sure your little girl is not napping too long during the day! In general, you should limit naps to two hours in duration (more or less)âespecially when you are weanÂing your child off the late afternoon nap around four or five months. Naps over three hours definitely reduce nighttime sleep. When you can, you, too, should try to nap during one of these peaceful periods. Many moms find it really helps their sleep if they block out disturbances by using white noise and an eye mask.
6-12 Months
By six to twelve months, your darling will have shifted down to just two naps a day. Typically, the naps last one hourâtwo hours, maxâbut some kids are cat-nappers who pop back up to play after just thirty minutes. Most parents find that the two-nap schedule makes keeping to a regular scheduleâthe timing and duration of the napsâmuch easier.
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