The A, B, C’s of improving daytime sleep:
A) First, it is important to take note that babies have age-appropriate awake times. For example, a new-born should only be awake for approximately 45 minutes in between their naps, Whereas it an 8-month-old can go for about 3 hours’ of awake time. Knowing the age-appropriate awake time for your baby’s and stick to is the best way to prevent over-tiredness. As well as watching for sleepy cues from your baby as they become tired.
B) Create an ideal sleeping environment for your child to make naps easier for them. Dark rooms are best for babies to sleep in. In fact, they love it. Regulate the temperatures that are neither too hot or too cold, 18-22*c is the ideal.
C) Take some time to wind down before nap time. Help your baby to be calm for naptime by doing a calming activity with them.
D) Blank out noises that may be disturbing. The use of a white noise machine is the best way to block any noise from the household or outside that could disturb your baby or child while sleeping. It is also soothing to your baby as it mimics the sounds of the womb for them.
E) Make sure your baby’s nutritional needs are met. Ensuring your baby has had a good feed before naps or sleep will help them sleeps much better as they will be fuller for longer. Timing of this also important here to avoid reflux or bloating feelings for them.
F) Make sure that smaller babies are properly winded, to avoid discomfort while sleeping.
G) When the time is right, teach your baby self-soothing skills, this is the best way to help them build links to sleep cycles ensuring they achieve the required, longer naps.