What to do if your baby won’t nap

Babies are all individuals with individual needs as far as sleep is concerned – but they do need a great deal so if they are’t napping during the day, there could be a problem. Ask yourself these questions…

• Is sheovertired because she’s very hungry at night and wakes often to feed? If so, perhaps you could try to increase the feed prior to bedtime. If she is still under three months old, it’ll be difficult to dictate the terms of feeding as her stomach is still very small. Try to wait till you get past three months before you worry about routines and sleeping. Once she hits the six month mark, she’ll be eating solids and will need less milk – this is fen the point where babies start to cut out their night feed.

• Is she overtired because she is waking up too early? Maybe the room she’s sleeping in is too light or the temperature isn’t adequate. Try using light-filtering blinds to keep the morning at bay and ensure that your baby has appropriate covers depending on the temperature. Also, she may be the sort of baby that intensely dislikes having a wet diaper, in which case changing her just before you go to bed could solve the problem.

• Is she overstimulated at naptime? Is there too much going on in your baby’s immediate environment, prior to her nap – for example, lots of visitors or noisy TV shows? Ensure she has a quiet wind-down period before she is put down for a nap. Just like at bedtime, establishing a bit of a routine is helpful for giving your baby sleep cues.

• Are you working against her natural sleep cycle? You may be trying to dictate a routine to your baby that isn’t fitting in with her natural sleep rhythms and confusing her sleep cycle. Don’t try to impose strict nap times on a young baby – it’s best that you respond to the signals she gives you to tell you that she’s tired and allow her to sleep.

Learn about how to establish a good bedtime routine with our video guide. If you’re still unable to work out why your baby won’t nap, consult your pediatrician.

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The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.