More Practical Tips on Naps
Here are more practical tips for naps
• Pajamas aren’t necessary, but make sure your child is dressed in comfortable clothing that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
• Playtime in the period before your baby’s nap should be quiet. Avoid loud noise and stimulating play that could make it hard for you child to settle down and go to sleep.
• When you can, put your child down for his nap in the same place he sleeps at night, which he’ll associate with going to sleep.
• If you’re going on a trip or you know you’ll be away from home at naptime, be sure to pack the books and anything else your child has come to associate with sleeping. This will help you maintain your baby’s nap and bedtime routine wherever you are.
• Don’t wait until your child is overly tired before beginning your going-to-sleep routine. If you do, your child may be too wound up to sleep well — or even to sleep at all.
If your child isn’t much of a napper, don’t blame yourself or your parenting skills — even if your best friend reports that her child is taking three-hour naps every day. All you can do is offer your child the opportunity to sleep by preparing him and putting him down on a consistent schedule.
Your baby may be a natural catnapper, consistently napping for less than an hour at a time. As long as he doesn’t seem too tired, fussy, or difficult during waking hours, he’s getting the sleep he needs.
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