Contact naps are so bittersweet. There is nothing more special than cuddling your sweet newborn or infant while they are asleep in your arms. Their sweet and content little faces snoozing during sleep while snuggled in your creates some priceless core memories. The struggle with contact naps is that occasionally (and as a parent, I really mean often) you have other jobs or chores calling your name: laundry, dishes, cleaning. Also, a crazy thought, but some parents like to have some time…by themselves to read, go on a walk, or just spend some quiet time alone. Unfortunately, contact napping is not always an option! But what if your baby won’t sleep unless they are being held?
Napping is essential for a baby’s growth and development. It provides them with the rest they need to recharge. It allows their little bodies and brains to grow and process the world around them. Babies tend to sleep better when they feel the warmth and security of their caregiver’s arms. However, this can pose challenges when it’s the only way your baby can sleep. If you’re ready to make this transition, this guide will help you move from contact naps to crib naps effectively.
Contact Napping v. Co-Sleeping
What is the difference between contact napping and co-sleeping? Contact napping is when a baby sleeps while in close physical contact with their mom, dad, or caregiver. Most commonly, they will be held in that person’s arms or their chest. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that contact napping should be done with extreme caution and under specific conditions. Providing skin-to-skin contact is an amazing way to connect with your newborn. It is imperative that the caregiver who is contact napping be awake and alert. The primary concern is the risk of accidental suffocation.
Co-Sleeping is the practice of sharing a sleeping surface with an infant or young child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises against bed sharing due to the increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. The APP does recommend room sharing, when an infant sleeps in a separate space in the same room.
How To Transition From Contact Naps To Crib
Transitioning from contact naps to crib naps can feel daunting. Knowing the right timing and methods can set you and your baby up for success. By understanding when to stop contact naps and following simple strategies, you can make the process smoother for both you and your baby.
When To Stop Contact Naps
Knowing when to stop contact naps is a critical first step. Most babies are ready to begin the transition as early as 14 weeks. However, every baby is different, so it’s essential to consider their developmental readiness. Signs your baby might be ready to transition include:
- They can self-soothe or show signs of learning to self-soothe.
- They nap for 15 to 20 minutes before waking up in your arms but might benefit from a more stable sleep environment.
- You’re noticing that they’re waking up too frequently due to being held.
Before making the shift, ensure your babies sleep space is safe and conducive to rest. Review important crib hazards to create an environment where your baby can sleep safely and soundly.
How To Go From Contact Naps To Crib Naps
Here are practical tips to help your baby transition from contact naps to crib naps:
Tip #1: Create a Consistent Sleep Routine
Establishing predictable sleep routines will help your baby know when it’s time to nap. This could include a short story, lullaby, or singing before placing them in their crib. Consistency signals to your baby that it’s time to rest.
Tip #2: Optimize the Sleep Space
Ensure your baby’s crib is a comfortable and safe sleep space. Use blackout curtains to darken the room and a white noise machine to mimic the soothing sounds they’re used to during contact naps. I recommend these blackout curtains for darkness. Either the Hatch or YogaSleep Dohm are great options for a sound machine. A calm environment encourages your baby to stay asleep longer.
Tip #3: Start Small
Begin by having your baby nap in the crib for just one nap a day. Choose a sleep time when they’re naturally tired but not overtired. Gradually increase the number of crib naps as they adjust.
Tip #4: Practice Drowsy But Awake
Place your baby in the crib when they’re drowsy but still awake. This will help your baby fall asleep independently, an essential skill for transitioning away from contact naps. It is really important to break the feed to sleep association which can make connecting sleep cycles difficult.
Tip #5: Be Patient and Flexible
Transitions take time, and it’s normal for your baby to resist at first. Stay patient, and be prepared for setbacks. Celebrate small successes, and adjust your approach based on your baby’s needs.
Tip #6: Gradual Weaning from Contact
If your baby struggles with going straight to the crib, consider weaning them off contact naps gradually. For example, try sitting next to the crib with your hand on their back to offer reassurance.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from contact naps to crib naps can seem overwhelming. With patience and consistent effort, you can help your baby adapt to this new routine. You can still have impactful early parent-infant interactions and appropriate attachment without contact napping. Remember to consider your child’s unique sleep needs, create a cozy sleep environment, and follow these sleep tips to ensure a smooth process.
By teaching your baby to nap in their crib, you’re not only promoting longer, more restful sleep for them but also freeing up your own time to rest, recharge, or tackle your to-do list. You don’t have to give up contact napping forever, but it can be something you WANT to do instead of something that you HAVE to do. If you need extra support getting your infant on an age-appropriate schedule, we are here to help! Hiring a sleep consultant can make this process easy, while also giving you the confidence to maintain optimal naps in the future.
Sleep Shore Sleep Consulting
Is your little one having difficulty self-soothing for naps? If your child is unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up at a normal time, it may be time to consider sleep training. Sleep Shore offers personalized solutions for each unique sleeping situation to get your little one on track- whether they’re a newborn, infant, or toddler. We also offer in home sleep training services in the Boston, Massachusetts, Central Michigan (Midland, Clare, Mt. Pleasant), and Traverse City, Michigan. Sleep training offers babies and children with the skills to fall asleep on their own so they can wake up feeling more well-rested- and in turn, you’ll feel more energized, too! See what this mama had to say about our sleep services below:
“I cannot recommend Molly and her services enough. 10/10 experience. We started working with Molly when our daughter Tenley was almost 4 months and taking 25 minute cat naps and bedtime could be a 3 hour cycle of rocking her to sleep only to have her wake up 25 minutes later. For the first few weeks Molly helped us lay a healthy sleep foundation with tips to help extend naps. When she turned 4 months, with Molly’s gentle method we started official sleep training. The second night she fell asleep independently in half the time it took night one. She now sleeps 10-12 hours every night in her crib with no overnight wakings and puts herself to sleep independently. My husband and I have precious time with just us at night now but are so happy we look forward to the morning waking!”
Mom of 4-Month-Old