Developing an Infant Nap Schedule
Developing a nap schedule may be one of the most exciting and challenging tasks you have to complete with your infant. While the idea of having more spare time to complete household tasks may be very appealing, you are also likely cringing at the idea of leaving your baby to cry in her crib instead of rocking her to sleep. Once you realize that you, and not your baby, are in control, you will have the confidence you need to get a consistent nap schedule into place.
-
Look for Signals
-
Watch your infant for signals that he is ready to settle down for a nap. The Baby Center website reports that a tired infant may begin to rub his eyes and get fussy, or be upset even though he has a clean diaper and is fed. If you have given your baby everything he needs but he is still unhappy, he is likely crying out from tiredness. By following his signs day after day, you will begin to notice a pattern and predict when he will get tired and at approximately what time his naps should take place.
Stick to a Routine
-
Make sure your baby knows what to expect when it comes to nap time. Dr. Jodi Mindell, author of "Sleeping Through the Night" and associate director of the sleep disorders center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, reports on the "Parents" magazine website that baby should nap at the same time, in the same place, with the same routine each day. You may sing to your baby to help her settle down, or give her a massage. Whatever it is you decide to do, keep it consistent so that she finds security in the routine.
Be on Time
-
Make sure that your baby gets settled down before she becomes overtired and sleeping actually becomes more difficult. The staff at Baby Center state that your child may be too wound up to sleep well if you wait until she is bawling and inconsolable before getting her to bed. By getting your baby into bed promptly, you make sure that she will be relaxed enough to drift into sleep instead of attempting to fight it.
Accept Her Pattern
-
Even if you wish your baby would nap for longer periods at a time, she may be making her own routine that works for her and gives her the rest she needs. Kim West, a clinical social worker and the author of "Good Night, Sleep Tight," reports on "Parenting" that if your child sleeps through the night and seems rested during the day from two to three 45-minute naps, you should resist trying to change the pattern she has established for herself. Some babies are satisfied on less sleep, and forcing your baby to take a nap when she is not ready will only sabotage her sleep schedule.
-
-
There could be instances when the baby won’t nap during the day. Naps during the daytime are essential for a baby since they may help a baby fall asleep comfortably at night. The nap count tends to reduce as the baby grows older, but until then, it i
-
One of the most enjoyable parts of expecting a baby is choosing the items he will need when he is born, and a crib is a fundamental need for a newborn. Parents might be confused with so many choices for cribs in the market, but for those looking for
-
Although swaddling is an age-old practice to comfort the baby, many new parents may wonder how to swaddle a baby to soothe them. Babies are wrapped up in soft blankets to make them feel secure and safe and promote sleep. Newborns may feel similar to
