Three tips for starting a naptime routine.
Ah naptime, one of the only quiet times of the day for parents everywhere! Naps are such a great opportunity for your child to rest and recharge, and hopefully, a chance for you to do the same!
When it comes to getting your little one ready to nap each day, I often find when I'm speaking with parents, they'll tell me that they follow a bedtime routine, but that they don't always follow a naptime routine.
I know how busy the days with little ones can get, so it’s no surprise that sometimes parents don’t feel they have time to fit in a routine before naps. With that said, following a consistent naptime routine can help prepare your little one for sleep, help them unwind from the busyness of the day, and it offers the opportunity for the two of you to slow down and connect with each other.
Learning the steps that take place before sleep helps our little ones to feel safe, secure, and comfortable. And, following these same set of steps consistently shows them that it's time for sleep when you set them down in their crib or have them climb into their bed. Sweeter naps for your little one, and a nice break for you!
If you’re looking for ways to get started with starting a naptime routine, these tips are for you!
1. Create a shortened version of your bedtime routine
Typically bedtime routines are around 20-30 minutes, but for a nap routine, I would encourage you to keep it to about 10-15 minutes. For example, if part of your bedtime routine involves a bath, fresh diaper, stories, songs, cuddle, sleep sack, sound machine, and lights out, your naptime routine can look similar! You might start with a diaper change, getting your little one into comfy clothes, reading a story together, singing a song, having a cuddle, getting into the sleep sack, turning on the sound machine, and nighty night! But some steps you don’t necessarily need to include like a bath.
2. Start the nap routine early
Because you’ll be aiming to have a naptime routine that will be about 10-15 minutes long, you’ll want to make sure you have enough time to get through all of the steps in the routine before your child is too tired. An overtired and fussy baby may not be very interested in a naptime routine!
Starting before the end of your child’s awake window will ensure that you can follow the steps in a calm, enjoyable way.
3. Enjoy your quiet time together
Naptime routines are not meant to add extra work to your day–they’re meant to be a special, quiet time for you and your child to connect, while you prepare your little one for sleep. Try including your favorite quiet activity as part of your naptime routine. For example, if you love sitting in a rocking chair with your baby, why not spend a couple of minutes rocking and cuddling together. If you love reading, take some time to enjoy a story together. If singing is your favorite, make sure to include at least one song!
4. Stay consistent, and adjust your naptime routine as your child progresses.
Following a consistent set of steps is really helpful when it comes to a naptime routine, but it’s also important to understand where your child is developmentally and allow for this routine to shift as your little one grows.
For example, a naptime routine with a newborn looks different than one with a 2-year-old. A newborn’s naptime routine will likely be much shorter, and may involve a quick diaper change, a feed, cuddle, swaddle, white noise, and lights out.
As your newborn grows, their naptime routine will naturally shift but it's important to maintain consistency. For example, a 2-year-old’s naptime routine may involve going to the potty, changing into comfy clothes, reading a story, singing a song, having a cuddle, turning on the white noise, getting into the crib, and lights out. Each routine follows a similar set of steps, while also allowing for some flexibility based on the child’s age.
Naptime routines don’t always get the same hype as bedtime routines, but they’re equally as important! If this is something new to you, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! Creating a shortened version of your bedtime routine, allowing enough time for the naptime routine, and enjoying your quiet time together are great ways to get started!
Naptime routines really are a special time to slow down and bond with your little one, while you help them prepare for sleep. Before you know it, you and your little one will have your new routine down pat, and you’ll both be getting a chance to recharge!
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