If you’re like many new parents, you’re trying to navigate changing your lifestyle with a baby. You still want to get to the gym, have coffee dates and dine out with friends. The good news is- you can still do all of those things for quite a while! With on-the-go naps, you get to enjoy a social life and your baby gets the sleep they need.
Take advantage of the fact that your baby will nap in the car, stroller or Mamaroo, for as long as you can! For many babies this lasts 2-3 months before they want more consistent nap routines.
When On-The-Go Naps Change
By the end of that “4th trimester,” stationary sleep is the most restorative kind of sleep, and by this time you really need to be facilitating the development of a consistent circadian rhythm. It’s time to practice self-soothing and independent sleeping. Your baby will be capable of doing both if you provide the opportunities.
You may be thinking that your baby naps great in the stroller or car seat, but generally, these short naps do not even include a full sleep cycle. Short naps can lead to more fussiness and crying. Ultimately, they can also have a negative impact on the quality and duration of night sleep!
What to Do
So, by eight to twelve weeks, try to limit on-the-go naps. Do what you can to prioritize naps in the crib. Your coffee dates and lunches will look a little different, but you’ll be happy that you made naps a priority. You’ll be rewarded with a happy, sweet child and far fewer meltdowns!