How to Drop a Nap
Are you struggling with your baby's sleep schedule?
Does your little one resist bedtime or wake up frequently during the night?
It may be time to consider dropping a nap.
In this blog post, we'll explore why and when to drop a nap,
and offer tips to help your baby transition to a new sleep routine.
Why Drop a Nap?
Naps are essential for baby sleep, providing rest and rejuvenation
that promote growth and development.
However, as babies grow and their sleep needs change,
they may no longer require as many naps as before.
Dropping a nap can help your baby get better quality sleep at night,
leading to more restful sleep for both baby and parents.
When to Drop a Nap?
It's important to watch for signs that your baby is
ready to drop a nap. Typically, babies drop their third nap
between 6-9 months, and the second nap between 12-18 months.
Signs that your baby is ready to drop a nap include:
Resisting naptime
Short naps
Taking longer to fall asleep at bedtime
Waking up frequently during the night
Early morning wake-ups
If you notice these signs, it may be time to adjust your baby's sleep schedule.
Tips for Dropping a Nap
Transitioning to a new sleep schedule can be challenging for both baby and parents. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:
Gradual Transition: Don't drop a nap cold turkey. Instead, gradually adjust your baby's sleep schedule by shifting the timing of naps and bedtime.
Watch Wake Windows: Keep track of your baby's wake time, or the time between when they wake up and when they go down for their next nap.
As babies grow, their wake time increases, and they can stay up longer between naps. Gradually extending their wake windows helps them prepare to drop that nap.
Be Flexible: Every baby is different, so be flexible and adjust your baby's sleep schedule as needed. Don't worry if your baby's nap schedule varies from day to day.
Don’t feel stuck! If you are in the middle of dropping a nap, and your child is seeming more tired today, offer a little cat nap! *just because you’re trying to get rid of a nap, doesn’t mean it can NEVER come back in the process*
Stick to a Bedtime Routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help your baby prepare for sleep and signal that it's time for rest. This is just a good idea all the time, but especially during transitional stages.
Stay Calm: Dropping a nap can be stressful for both baby and parents, but staying calm and patient can make the process easier. They feed off you, so if you go into it cool and confident they will feel that too!
By following these tips, you can help your baby transition
to a new sleep schedule and get better quality sleep.
Dropping a nap may seem daunting, but with the right approach,
it can lead to better sleep for your baby and more restful nights
for parents. Watch for signs that your baby is ready to drop a nap,
and be flexible in adjusting your baby's sleep schedule.
With patience and consistency, your baby can enjoy a better
sleep routine and a happier, healthier life. I hope this blog post is helpful to you
and please let me know if you have any questions!
Your Paediatric Sleep Consultant
-Marina 💚
