Babies who gets adequate nap are likewise to sleep better at night — leading to less irritability and fussiness. Creating a Nap Schedule for your baby is important – do not ignore the importance. “Studies show that developments of babies — mentally and physically takes place when they sleep at night and during the day,” said Daniel Lewin, PhD. [Director of pediatric behavioural sleep medicine at children’s National Medical Center], in Washington, D.C.
The importance of creating a nap schedule is so beneficial for your baby, it doesn’t matter if your baby is 3 months, 10 months, or anywhere in ebetween.
Do not rush this page. Read these:
11 Expert-Approved Tips carefully for creating a baby nap schedule
Tip #1. Recognize Their Signs of Tiredness
Recognizing their Signs of Tiredness is not too difficult. One positive sign that your child needs to rest is that they will get fussy but nothing will make them happy. Young children rub or close their eyes when they get tired, just as we adults do. They always yawn or even pull on the ears.
Tip #2. Work With Your Baby’s Schedule
For you to work with your Baby’s Schedule, you need to Choose a bedtime that fits your baby’s schedule. MD, President of the regional department of pediatrics at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. says. Observe your child for a week and see if every day starts with the same pattern or changes. If so, respect your child’s lead ~ but if not, you will have to choose a nap times. Think about your baby’s day, and try to make out time for a reasonable night sleep. It’s better you do not sleep in the morning and also at noon to avoid not sleeping at night.
Tip #3. Always Use the Crib
Babies need to sleep in their beds every day so they know their surroundings and feel comfortable.” It will help them connect the crib with slumber, which is necessary to help them sleep at night. If your child falls asleep outside of their crib, put them to sleep in a way that reminds them of their crib.
Tip #4. Don’t Let Them Get Too Tired
It is a problem, if your baby is next to your older sibling who is not sleeping. So it is important that you should not let them get too tired while been active for your infant. Also know that older siblings sometimes let younger children play longer games than they should do. Younger children need more nap time, they mean well but, help them understand.
Tip #5. Break the Routine when required
Breaking the Routine when required is necessary while you do not want to be a slave to your child’s nap schedule habits, experts say that it is beneficial to maintain a consistent routine. But, this does not mean that you cannot leave the moment if you are away from home or when you have a special plan. Chicago physician Marc Weissbluth, MD, author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Says. Not getting enough sleep occasionally for a birthday or going out when your child is well rested won’t cause problems.
Tip #6. Keep your Baby active all day
Keeping your Baby active all day in engaging activities and fresh air will make your baby feel exhausted before nap time. Fresh air, beautiful toys, and all the funny games are helpful for your child’s health and development. Go out with your child out in the stroller, or play on the floor to keep them engaged.
Tip #7. Lull Them to Sleep
When you are having trouble getting your baby to sleep, “Giving your baby a warm bath, a tummy rub, or a little massage and sometimes playing soft songs or making white noises, like rain, calms the heart,”. Rocking and cuddling exercise can be beneficial for little children, and relaxing for parents too.
Tip #8. Ask Your Pediatrician About Any Problems
There’s not one suitable answer for every baby. Nap habits may change over time; because every baby is different. So, when you are in doubt, talk with your pediatrician. But, do not worry except your baby’s sleep is interfering with important activities such as eating and development or your baby’s total sleep hours aren’t adding up. You can also talk with your pediatrician if you’re concerned your baby’s nap time might not be healthy.
Tip #9. Adjust As Your Child Gets Older
Young children need quiet time for their growth and development without external noise and communication. Always make sure they get at least 30-60 mins of quiet time daily. As your little baby starts to sleep longer at night, they might need fewer naps. But, that quiet time every day is still important.
Tip #10. Consider the 2-3-4 Nap Schedule
The 2-3-4 nap schedule has been recommend by many health practitioners for babies needing two daytime snoozes. This gradually works by increasing the time between naps throughout the day.
Here is the meaning of the 2-3-4 nap schedule
* 2 means Two hours of staying awake before the first nap
* 3 means Three hours between the first and second naps
* 4 means Four hours before bedtime
Why this 2-3-4 nap schedule is beneficial is that it creates a predictable routine for both parents and babies, resulting to a smoother schedule. Health practitioners agree that the 2-3-4 approach is best suitable for babies 6 months and older. But, Bear in mind that this procedure might not work for everyone. Parents should always endeavor to find the best nap schedule for their family.
Tip #11. Wake Super-nappers Early
Gently wake your baby after some hours if they’re prone to long naps. It’s not healthful to allow your baby nap more than 2 or 3 hours at a time, it might have a negative effect on their sleep at night.
