Are you looking for ways to improve your infant’s daytime sleep? If so, you’re in the right spot!
Daytime sleep is a crucial part of an infant’s health and wellness. According to Johns Hopkins, daytime sleep “aids in the important physical and mental development that happens in early childhood.”
Naps also help keep infants from becoming overtired, which can impact mood and sleep quality at night.
But daytime sleep can be a hard nut to crack for many reasons. For example, you might have older kids with a lot of activities. Or maybe you’re in the process of sleep training an infant who just loves to snuggle during sleep time, which can make crib naps difficult.
Don’t worry! I have the perfect solution for you.
Keep reading to learn how to improve your baby’s daytime sleep through one of my favorite sleep tools: the rescue nap.
How Much Daytime Sleep Does Your Infant Really Need?
Before the age of 5 months, most babies won’t take long naps, but between 5-6 months, their daytime sleep habits will begin to solidify.
Here’s what to can expect by age:
| Age | Number of Naps |
| 5 months | 3 (2 hours max each) |
| 6 – 8 months | 2-3 (2 hours max each) |
| 9 – 11 months | 2 (2 hours max each) |
| 12 – 14 months | 1-2 (2 hours max on 2 naps; 3 hours max on 1) |
Babies need a lot of daytime sleep, but what can you do if it’s just not happening? Keep reading.
What is a Rescue Nap?
A rescue nap is a short, 10-15 minute nap that can happen anywhere (in your arms, in the car, in a stroller, etc.)
Rescue naps are taken during a normal wake time to help keep your infant from becoming overtired. They’re perfect for days when your little one wakes too early, takes a cat nap, or skips a nap entirely.
When to Use a Rescue Nap
Here are a few instances when you’d want to use a rescue nap:
1. If there’s an event or appointment you need to attend during your baby’s typical nap time
2. If you’re on vacation and can’t spend hours in your hotel room for your child’s naptimes
3. When your child refuses an independent nap
4. If your child is sick and needs to sleep on you to catch up on sleep (contact nap)
5. If you’re in the process of sleep training and your child is used to a contact nap
How to Use a Rescue Nap to Improve Daytime Sleep
First, remember that the first nap is the most important sleep period for babies younger than 8 months old.
Why? It’s a continuation of night sleep.
Therefore, try to be consistent with this nap. Ensure your baby sleeps in their crib, alone, and for at least an hour, if possible.
If the scheduled nap times don’t go according to plan, start the rescue nap between 3-5 p.m. Do whatever it takes (stroller walks, wearing them to sleep, rocking them to sleep, etc.) to help your infant sleep for a full sleep cycle (about 45 minutes).
But be careful! Don’t let them sleep much longer than 45 minutes; it could impact their bedtime and nighttime sleep.
To Sum it Up
Rescue naps are one of my favorite sleep tools. They take the pressure off of daytime sleep and can help you and your infant get the rest they need. They’re the perfect backup plan for when daytime sleep gets derailed.
Here are a few things to remember about rescue naps:
- Don’t use them after 9 months.
- Start the nap between 3-5 p.m.
- Don’t let your infant sleep for more than 45 minutes during rescue naps.
- Only use a rescue nap when your infant’s daytime sleep doesn’t go as planned.
If you believe your baby’s daytime sleep struggles can’t be helped by a rescue nap alone, reach out!
I’m happy to chat about how sleep coaching can help improve the quality of life for your entire family.
