Why Do Babies Resist Naps?
There are actually several reasons for this!
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Illness
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Sleep environment
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Teething
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Developmental milestones
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Ready for change in routine
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Approaching nap drop
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They just want to test your patience a bit 😛
The NUMBER ONE factor is sleep pressure, and getting this right for your little one is essential. Each baby has their unique needs, which will likely differ from those of your friends' or neighbours' babies. When your little one’s sleep pressure becomes too high, their sleep tank overflows, causing a surge in cortisol and adrenaline. This results in your baby fighting sleep and becoming quite upset. On the other hand, if their tank isn't full enough (meaning sleep pressure is insufficient), they may have trouble falling asleep, or they might wake up after just a short catnap.
How Can I Help My Baby Nap When They're Refusing Naps?
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Check the sleep environment
Ensure the room is dark enough to prevent stimulation from lights and objects, keep white noise on, maintain an appropriate temperature, and choose a sleep suit with the right TOG for the weather. -
Create a short pre-nap ritual
This could be a condensed version of your night-time routine. For example: enter the room, change their nappy, read a book, put on the sleep sack/swaddle, turn off the lights, switch on white noise, have a little cuddle, and place in the bassinet/cot. -
Observe wake windows
Follow their age-appropriate sleep routine (there may be slight variations for your child compared to our guides (LINK NAP ROUTINE GUIDE), which are based on average sleep needs). Ensure your little one hasn’t lost any sleep pressure during that wake window on feeding or being in car or pram and getting drowsy. -
Focus on self-settling
If your baby has started refusing naps, they may have outgrown their current settling method. They could be signalling a need for space to fall asleep or preferring to be patted in the cot instead of being rocked, for example. If you need help establishing some self settling skills our sleep guides are the perfect place to start! -
Avoid feeding too close to nap time
Feeding just before putting your baby down for a nap can reduce their sleep pressure. If this dips right before naptime, they may require a bit more awake time before going down. -
Assist with naps for a few days
If your baby has consistently refused naps for several days and it's not age-appropriate to drop a nap yet, consider assisting all naps for a few days to reduce the sleep debt that may have built up from these refusals. Getting trapped in an overtired cycle can be tricky to get out of! -
Use motion
We always encourage utilising motion for morning naps and especially the last nap of the day, as it may be difficult to get your baby to sleep in their cot. Many babies enjoy motion for sleep, so if yours is one of them, consider taking them for a ride in the car, a stroll in the pram, or wearing them in a carrier for some naps on the go.
If you’re struggling with nap refusal and can’t seem to shake it, you need to chat with us here!
