What is contact napping and why is it important?
As new parents, we’re often bombarded with well-meaning advice and sleeping tips for our babies. When it comes to contact napping, however, opinions are usually divided. With that said, the concerns surrounding the practice are often rooted in the myth that allowing your baby to sleep on you will create dependence and clingy behavior.
The truth is, many of us cherish nap time as an opportunity to get things done, and sadly, societal expectations of motherhood can breed feelings of inadequacy if you are not being productive in every spare moment.
So, what do you do if your little one only wants to nap in your arms?
Contact napping defined
The practice of contact napping is intuitive and natural. A contact nap can be defined as having your little one sleep in your arms, on your chest, or in any other position that results in skin contact.
The emotional connection achieved through physical contact can increase your baby’s feelings of security and result in a deeper sleep. Moreover, the attachment and bonds formed during a contact nap can have lifelong benefits for your little one.
Benefits of contact napping
While some people still push the narrative of the importance of your little one self-soothing and sleeping independently, the research suggests that this approach offers very few benefits.
Your new bundle of joy spent nine months in your womb listening to the soothing sounds of your heartbeat and the rhythm of your breath. So it is only natural that sleeping on you evokes warmth, connection, and security.
Contact napping has numerous benefits for both you and your baby, including:
Helping to maintain the baby’s normal body rhythms
May lower cortisol levels or stress hormones in both you and your little one
Improves your little one’s sleep quality
Increases the baby’s alertness after sleep
Can foster more successful nursing/feeding habits
Stimulates oxytocin release (a hormone associated with calmness and bonding) in both you and your little one
Can reduce the incidence and severity of maternal depression
Closeness in infancy
An infant's social, emotional, and cognitive development depends on the loving bond and quality of attachment with their primary caregiver. While some parents may be overly concerned about educational stimulation or fostering independence, science shows that a robust and loving attachment is one of the most valuable gifts we can give our little ones.
Contact napping provides a wonderful opportunity to slow down and bond with your precious bundle, fostering attachment that will benefit them for life.
Take a deep breath and let go of the expectation that you must be productive every moment of every day. When you stop and slow down and allow your little one to experience the comfort and love of sleeping in your arms, you are being productive. In fact, science would argue that it is one of the most important things you will do.
How to reframe nap time
Try and let go of the social conditioning that nap time is your opportunity to be supermom and run around the house cleaning and cooking. Instead, make a conscious effort to reframe nap time and view it as an opportunity to relax and enjoy a moment of connection with your little one.
Your baby will not need to sleep in your arms forever despite what you may hear. This precious stage of development will go by so quickly, and I guarantee you that in years to come when your teenager is independent, you will look back at this season and be grateful that you were present and spent this valuable time together.
Set yourself up for success by trying these tips to make contact napping work for you.
Be prepared- Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and prepare a snack that you can have on a table next to you during nap time.
Gather some reading material- Take this quiet moment to immerse yourself in a good book or flip through a magazine.
Grab your headphones- Listen to some music, an audiobook, or meditation in peace while your little one sleeps.
Enjoy every moment- Take time to pause and wonder at the beautiful little human in your arms. Watch their little chest rise and fall with each breath, appreciate that well-known baby scent and enjoy the sensation of their warm little body securely resting on yours.
If you are in a position where you are out and cannot sit or lay down with your baby, allowing your little one to nap in a sling or carrier is a great way to provide them with the body contact they desire while you are hands-free.
Navigating sleep with your little one
Sleep is a massive part of your little one’s routine. Full-term newborns will sleep up to 20 hours per day, and by the age of about six months, all four sleep stages (N1, N2, N,3, and REM) are defined. Quality sleep is essential for a child’s development. Insufficient sleep can result in feeding difficulties and a disruption of their natural circadian rhythm.
Even when your little one is well into toddler territory, they will still require a daytime nap or two to ensure their continued health and development.
Contact napping can improve the quality of your baby’s sleep and contribute to optimal social, emotional, and cognitive development. While it may take time to reframe your beliefs around nap time, you will never regret spending that sacred time with your child.
If you are finding it difficult to initiate a good sleep routine with your little one seeking the support of a pediatric sleep consultant can help.
My Sweet Sleeper offers support and guidance for parents on all aspects of sleep health. Whether you need individual support with one-on-one coaching or would like to connect with other families in a group coaching session, contact us today to discuss how we can support you and your growing family.
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