Baby sleep patterns are a challenge for exhausted parents! First time mom Yohanna emailed me asking for baby nap tips for her 3-month-old infant who only naps for 45 minutes. This is such a common question, Yohanna! This time at the end of the newborn phase can be really challenging as you try to establish a routine. Here are my tricks to make longer naps for baby a reality.
Baby Nap Tips
A baby waking up after 45 minutes is very common — some people have actually dubbed this phenomenon “the 45 minute intruder.” My sleep solutions for babies who don’t nap for long enough include examining your whole feeding and sleeping schedule, letting baby self-soothe and keeping the nursery very dark for naps and at night.
Do you have any baby nap tips to share? Post your comment below!
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Hi, I actually just started nap training my 4 month old baby a few weeks ago. I’d have to agree that putting the baby in a darkened room helps substantially. I have put up black out curtains in her room and will feed, burp and change her before she goes down. For the first week she would fuss and cry a little – if it was a tired cry I would leave her be and found she would put herself to sleep on her own by sucking her hand or thumb. A few times it was a pretty harsh cry and during those times I would go into her room, pick her up for a few minutes to soothe her and put her back in her crib. I am now into week 3 and most days she naps anywhere from 1-2 hours with little to no fuss. Timing is key though…watch your baby for signs of fatigue. If it’s too early or late the moment is lost and can make it very difficult to get baby to sleep.
Hope this helps!!