Why Are My Baby’s Naps So Short?
Are you struggling with your baby’s short naps throughout the day? You are not alone! Short naps are a common issue for newborns and can be frustrating for parents who are trying to establish a sleep routine. Fortunately, we have curated some pro tips to help combat this sleeping habit and lengthen your baby’s sleep. We hope you enjoy this week’s blog, why are my baby’s naps so short?
Understanding the 45-minute sleep intruder
The 45-minute sleep intruder is the time when your baby’s sleep cycle changes from deep sleep into REM sleep. This transitional period can be challenging for babies, and they may struggle to transition through their sleep cycles, which can cause them to wake up after a short period of time.
Most babies outgrow short naps on their own
While the 45-minute intruder is a common cause of short naps, it’s important to rule out other reasons why your baby may be waking up. However, most babies will outgrow short naps on their own once they are older and their body regulates their sleep more easily. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to help this process along.
How can we lengthen naps for better sleep?
Finding the right solution to lengthen your baby’s naps can take some trial and error, but the following tips can help:
Check for hunger: Make sure that your baby is not hungry or about to become hungry before a nap. Ensure that your baby has had enough to eat during their awake window before each sleep.
Room temperature: Keep the room temperature between 70-72 degrees to ensure that your baby is not too hot or cold.
Optimal awake window: Babies have optimal sleep windows, and you want to make sure that you put your baby down at the right time. Before they are too tired, but also making sure that they have had enough awake time and are ready to sleep again.
Relaxation techniques: Try different tips to relax your baby before they sleep, such as a soothing massage or white noise machine.
Steps to combat short naps
If you have tried all of the above and your baby is still waking after a short period, it’s time to take more drastic measures. Here are some additional steps that you can take to combat short naps:
Establish a nap routine: Create a consistent nap routine for your baby, and ensure they sleep in the same room each time.
Darken the room: Keep the room dark to help your baby sleep more deeply.
Use a sound machine: A sound machine can help block out any distracting noises and create a calming atmosphere.
Swaddle your baby: Swaddling your baby before they go down for a nap can help them feel secure and comfortable.
Feed before naps: Feeding your baby before they go down for a nap can help them feel full and content, which can lead to longer naps.
Check for gassiness: If your baby is struggling with gas, it can be challenging for them to settle down and sleep for an extended period.
Baby still not sleeping longer than forty-five minutes?
If your baby is still struggling to sleep for longer than 45 minutes, try watching them until they start to stir. When you notice them starting to wake up, place your hand on their stomach and slowly rock them back to sleep. This technique can help them transition into their next sleep cycle, and with consistency, your baby may begin to make this transition on their own.
Enlist the help of a Bay City Doula
Sometimes we find that parents have tried it all and still are having trouble getting their baby to nap longer. The team at Bay City Doulas has worked with many families to help implement good sleep routines during both daytime and nighttime. To learn more about how we can help, visit our website.
Short naps can be challenging for both babies and parents, but with patience and consistency, you can help your baby sleep for longer periods. Remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Don’t hesitate to seek expert support from professionals like Bay City Doulas, who can provide additional tips and support to
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