How to Make an Infant Take Naps
You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot force it to drink. Similarly, you can lead your baby to her crib, but you cannot make her nap. You can, however, implement strategies to make nap time run smoother. Set up a napping routine but remain flexible for life's interruptions.
Other People Are Reading
-
Set a Schedule
-
A nap schedule trains your infant's body for sleep. Some parents base this schedule around the time their baby wakes up each morning. Two hours after he first wakes up, put him down for his first nap, even if the specific time he wakes up varies morning to morning. After waking up from the first nap, set him down for a second nap in another two or three hours. Other parents put their children down for naps at the same time each day -- usually around 10 a.m and 2 p.m. -- regardless of when they wake up in the morning.
Set the Scene
-
Certain signals will let your baby know she should go to sleep. Lay her down in the same crib that she sleeps in at night. Dim the lights in the room and keep the noise from any televisions or radios down to a minimum. If she sleeps with a blanket or musical plush toy at night, place that same item inside the crib as your baby prepares for her nap.
-
Watch the Signs
-
Even if you have a schedule, watch for other signs that your baby feels sleepy. If he starts rubbing his eyes, yawning and fussing, he likely needs his next nap. Prepare your baby for a nap as soon as you catch sight of these warning signals. You usually have under a half hour before your baby feels overtired and frustrated. He may even start crying if left too long. Once this occurs, getting him calm enough for a nap will become even more difficult.
Make Your Baby Comfortable
-
Your infant should be as comfortable as possible before nap time. Arrange her feeding schedule alongside her nap schedule so that she eats shortly before you put her down for her nap. Burp your baby to get any uncomfortable gas out and change her diaper to help her feel fresh and clean. If your infant still struggles to fall asleep, dress her in the same type of clothing she wears at night. Lightweight pajamas or a cotton romper allow her to feel covered without feeling overheated.
Avoid Sabotage
-
Common pitfalls can throw off your baby's napping schedule. Prevent your baby from dozing off in the car for a few minutes since he may sleep enough to feel momentarily awake but will not have enough rest to make it through the remainder of the day. Open a window or talk to him if you suspect him of falling asleep. Avoid skipping naps as much as possible. Even if you have company over, lay your baby down for his nap like usual. Plan your errands around your baby's schedule to avoid being out during the time your baby needs his nap.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
