Here are some helpful facts about naps.
Babies who are not allowed to learn self-soothing have nap problems.
If the interval of wakefulness is too long, a second wind develops and messes up naps.
If the bedtime is too late, naps don’t go well.
Some babies but not all, need a dark quiet environment to nap well.
Naps automatically develop between 12-16 weeks of age, counting from the due date. After this age, watch both your baby and the clock to determine when his naps are best.
The morning nap develops first.
If a nap is missed, try to go to the next sleep time to keep the schedule even if the next nap or bedtime is a bit earlier than usual.
Naps become more regular between 12-16 weeks of age but they may be less than an hour in duration.
Between 4-6 months (6-9 months for post colicky babies), the duration of naps lengthen.
After 12-16 weeks, if you know your child needs to nap, then put your child down to nap and if he cries, leave him alone for an hour to see if he will fall asleep unassisted. This will not work if the bedtime is too late, night sleep is fragmented, the interval of wakefulness is too long, you never allowed your child to learn self-soothing at night, or the room is too light or street noises are too loud.
“Digital Distraction” might make you miss subtle drowsy signs. TV on in the background, being on the computer or on the phone might interfere with good timing for naps because you miss the rising wave of sleepiness.
Marc
www.sweetbabies.com, www.drweissbluth.com