How Long Baby's Should Nap & Things to Remember?

A newborn baby’s sleep pattern can confuse any mother, but this is nothing unusual. It is tough, no doubt, but there is a relief when the child gradually starts to grow older. A quick guide that will tell you how to get a baby nap at different age stages, how careful you should be & many more things related to baby napping

Baby Napping

Often mothers complain of babies having erratic nap patterns. There is nothing unusual in this. Babies take time to develop a sleep pattern or schedule, especially the newborns. The first two months are the toughest. During this period, the baby sleeps and wakes round-the-clock. With time, nap times become longer and predictable. This, of course, helps the mother plan her day’s activities better.

How to Get Baby to Nap 4 Months to 1 Year? 

After the erratic sleep patterns of the newborn period when the baby was still getting used to the how and the when to sleep, comes the next phase. Close to the fourth month, the baby gradually develops an identifiable sleep pattern. If the baby hasn’t, then observe when and how s/he falls asleep as cue. Babies most likely nap at least twice a day — once in the morning and once in the early afternoon. There are others, who need a late afternoon nap. Some babies nap a total of three or more hours during the day, others upto 5 hours or more.

How to Get Baby to Nap One Year & Above?

This is a change-over year. Now the baby will gradually drop his or her morning nap. Mostly, s/he will only nap in the afternoon, often for a period of two to three hours. If this is the pattern, then consider scaling up the baby's naptime during the day and bedtime at night by a half hour to help the baby adjust and get enough rest. Even when they grow older, children continue taking afternoon naps.

The key for every parent to remember is that every baby is different. Hence, nap schedules can differ considerably. So, stay in tune with your baby to help set a good sleep pattern for her/him.