Improving baby short naps is key to getting your baby into a proper sleep schedule. The “short” nap blues is a common problem among babies. Some babies just seem like they will never nap. Don’t worry, there’s hope. Sleep is learned so start fresh today. Throw out all your assumptions and take the plunge. Dive into the glory of the circadian sleep rhythms, find your baby’s sweet spot, and start improving baby short naps.
Improving Short Naps in 2 Weeks
The great news is that you can teach new sleep hygiene and get the restorative naps your little one needs very quickly (and by that I mean 2 weeks). Minor 15-30 minute tweaks to your current routine can be game changers. The following sections will give you a road map of nap times for three different baby age groups and take the guesswork out of the process.
4 to 9-Month-Old Nap Starting Times
- Nap 1 – 8:30/9 AM
- Nap 2 – 12:30/1:00 PM
- Nap 3 – 3:00/3:30 PM
9 to 14-Month-Old Nap Starting Times
- Nap 1 – 8:30/9 AM
- Nap 2 – 12:30/1:00 PM
14 Months and Older Nap Starting Times
- Nap 1 – 12:00/1:00 PM
How to Implement Thes Times, Improving Baby Short Naps
We base the nap start times based on the quality of the previous sleep cycle.
Put baby down drowsy but awake. The rule with nap 1 and 2 is one hour. Meaning, whether they fall asleep or not they stay in the crib 1 full hour. Nap 3 is discretionary and can be on the go, it’s a short nap, usually 20-45 minutes and is designed to bridge the gap to bedtime.
Decide on a sleep training method that suits your baby’s temperament and your parenting style. Sleep training does NOT mean Cry It Out. You need to choose a method that you can 100% commit to for 2 weeks, otherwise, you’re wasting your time.
Sleep Training Methods for Improving Baby Short Naps
- Check and Console
- Pick Up Put Down
- Ferber Method
- Modified Ferber Method
- Chair Method
- Cry It Out/Extinction
- Mommy Crying While Hiding in the Closet (Just kidding. I made that one up)
All of these sleep training methods can be quite effective. It’s just a matter of choosing the one that best suits you and your baby. With these tips, you’ll be improving baby short naps in 2 weeks.
I’m proud to say that I can teach you how to get your babies sleeping 7 PM to 7 AM. And, no that wasn’t a typo. I’m all about business and I can name that tune in 2 weeks!
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