As a new mom, contact napping with your baby can be frequent but also a sweet and cherished moment. Contact napping is a common sleep practice where a parent or caregiver naps in close physical contact with a baby. This could involve lying down together on a bed or sofa, with the baby resting on the caregiver’s chest or in their arms. It can be incredibly calming and reassuring for both you and your baby, strengthening the bond between you two.
Contact napping can also help your babies sleep longer stretches as they feel secure and safe in your arms. Parents in the United States are often advised to practice independent sleeping for their babies, but contact napping is actually widely used by parents all around the world as a way to soothe and comfort their baby, promote healthy sleep habits, and strengthen the parent-child bond.
However, as your baby grows older, you may be wondering when and how to stop contact napping so you can tackle other tasks while the baby naps on their own. Keep reading as we will cover the benefits of contact napping, is it safe, when to stop contacting napping, and how to stop contact napping (if that is what you want!).
What Is Contact Napping
Contact napping is a common sleep method where a parent or caregiver naps in close physical contact with their baby. This could involve lying down together on a bed, chair or sofa, with the baby resting on the caregiver’s chest or in their arms. Typically, the parent and baby share a sleep space, allowing the baby to feel secure and comforted by the warmth and closeness of the parent. Contact napping can also involve using a baby carrier to keep their baby close to their body while they are napping.
Many parents also choose to contact nap with their babies as a way to help them feel comforted and secure while they adjust to life outside of the womb. Babies need to nap a lot during the day and after spending nine months in mommy’s safe and cozy belly, babies can find sleeping in the new outside world a big transition! Contact napping can surely help provide a sense of security and comfort for both mommy and baby, which can be beneficial in the early months when babies may struggle to sleep for long stretches independently.
Benefits Of Contact Napping
Promotes bonding
Close physical contact during contact napping can help strengthen the bond between the parent and baby. Contact napping allows for skin-to-skin contact, which can be very soothing for both you and your baby. This type of contact has been shown to release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of attachment and bonding.
Helps regulate baby’s sleep
Contact napping can help regulate the baby’s sleep cycle and improve their overall sleep patterns. The parent’s body heat and breathing rhythm can help soothe and calm the baby, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Contact napping can help reduce stress and anxiety for both the parent and baby. The physical closeness and emotional connection can help promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.
Supports breastfeeding
Contact napping can make breastfeeding easier, as the baby is in close proximity to the breast and can quickly feed on demand.
Enhances overall health
Contact napping can have positive effects on the baby’s overall health, such as improving their digestion, reducing their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and strengthening their immune system. This closeness can also help regulate your baby’s breathing and heart rate, as well as their temperature and sense of comfort.
It is important to note that contact napping may not be suitable for all families, especially those who practice safe sleep guidelines or who have specific medical conditions. As with any parenting decision, it is important to do your research and consult with a healthcare provider to determine what is best for you and your baby.
Is Contact Napping Safe?
Contact napping can be a wonderful way to connect with your baby and offer many benefits. However, safety is a top priority when it comes to your baby’s sleep.
While contact napping can offer many benefits, it is important to continue to practice safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related accidents. These guidelines include placing the baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface, avoiding soft bedding, pillows, and toys in the sleeping area, and ensuring that the sleeping area is free of hazards such as cords or wires.
It’s also important to be fully present and alert while contact napping with your baby, and not to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Be mindful of your baby’s position and make sure their face is not covered by blankets or your body during contact napping.
As with any new parent going through sleep deprivation in the early months, it is important to ensure the baby is safely contact napping and understand the risks of yourself falling asleep during the nap. You may want to consider setting an alarm to wake you up after a certain period of time, nap in a position where your baby is less likely to fall, or communicate with someone in your household to keep monitoring you during the contact nap.
How To Stay Productive When Your Baby Is A Contact Napper
Contact napping can be incredibly productive for a new mom! It allows moms to get rest, which is essential as they are likely experiencing sleep deprivation. Contact napping allows baby to get restful day time sleep which is critical for their development and growth. It’s important to remember that taking time to rest and care for your baby is a valuable use of their time, and that it’s okay to prioritize this over other household chores or tasks. Feeling guilty about not being productive during a nap can lead to stress and anxiety, which can ultimately be counterproductive. Instead, moms should give themselves permission to take the time they need to care for themselves and their baby, without feeling guilty.
However, I do have some tips to help you maximize your time caring and resting with your baby:
1. Try your best to set a consistent nap schedule for your baby
I know, baby naps can be so unpredictable especially in the early months! However, consistency in naps can help your baby regulate their internal clock, also known as their circadian rhythm. The routine and predictability also helps tremendously for moms to know what to anticipate and when to nap, feed, activities, or household tasks.
2. Use a baby carrier
Consider using a baby carrier to keep your baby close to contact nap but also free up your hands to do necessary tasks around the house. Babies in the early months are heavy sleepers so the sound of doing tasks won’t likely wake them up!
3. Make your chores your baby’s entertainment
Don’t save the chores for during naptime, do your chores while baby is awake! Babies are amazed at literally anything because they are seeing and hearing everything for their first time in the outside world! Knock out your chores such as washing dishes, vacuuming, cooking, and folding laundry with your baby as a cute audience. Narrate what you are doing and make exaggerated facial expressions while doing the chore so your baby can be amused and also learn at the same time! Just make sure your baby is safely secured while you are doing the chore.
4. Place baby in a safe play space when doing chores
Set up a play space that is safe and comfortable for your baby while doing chores so you can rest with your baby during contact napping. Use a playpen or baby gate with a soft play mat to keep your baby close and contained while you tackle household tasks.
Remember that productivity looks different for everyone, and it’s important to be kind to yourself as you navigate this new chapter with your baby. Celebrate your accomplishments, even if they are small, and remember that caring for your baby is an important and productive task in itself!
When To Stop Contact Naps
When to stop contact naps can vary for each family and baby, and may depend on factors such as your baby’s age, sleep habits, and developmental milestones. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
When your baby outgrows contact napping
As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, they may become less interested in contact napping. Some babies may prefer to sleep independently, while others may continue to enjoy contact naps. Your baby might start to become too big or heavy to continue comfortably contact napping as well. This can be a good time to start transitioning baby to independent naps.
When your baby is ready for independent sleep
Around 4-6 months of age, babies may start to develop the ability to self-soothe and sleep independently. If your baby is showing signs of being able to fall asleep on their own and stay asleep for longer stretches, you may consider transitioning to independent sleep in a bassinet or crib.
When contact napping becomes disruptive
If contact napping is causing disruptions to your baby’s sleep or your daily routine, it may be time to transition to a different sleep arrangement. This could involve gradually reducing contact napping over time, or transitioning to independent sleep in a bassinet or crib.
How To Stop Contact Naps
Transitioning from contact napping to independent sleep can be a big transition for some moms and babies. Here are some tips to help you make the transition:
1. Establish a consistent sleep routine
Having a consistent sleep routine can help your baby learn when it’s time to sleep. This pre-sleep routine can include a diaper change, bedtime story, a lullaby, or a calming activity that signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep.
2. Follow age-appropriate wake windows and put baby down for naps at the perfect time
Keeping track of your baby’s wake windows and ensuring they nap at appropriate times can prevent overtiredness, which can make it more difficult for your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep. Following wake windows can help regulate your baby’s sleep schedule and ensure they are perfectly tired to fall asleep at the right time. By establishing a consistent nap schedule and following wake windows, your baby may naturally sleep independently and for long periods of time, which can be beneficial for their development and allow you to get more time to yourself as well. This changed my life and helped my baby nap significantly better independently!
3. Encourage independent sleep
You can encourage your baby to sleep independently by placing them in their crib or bassinet while drowsy but still awake. This allows your baby to practice falling asleep on their own, rather than relying on contact napping. This may involve some tears if your baby is having a hard time adjusting to the transition. Some parents resort to a specific sleep training method such as the Chair Method, Ferber or Extinction to train baby to independently sleep.
4. Gradually reduce contact napping
If your baby is used to contact napping, you can gradually reduce the amount of contact napping over time. You can start by getting rid of contact napping for their easiest nap first (usually their first nap of the day) and then gradually reduce contact napping for the other naps.
Remember, it’s important to follow safe sleep guidelines when transitioning to independent sleep. This includes placing your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface, and avoiding soft bedding, pillows, and toys in the sleeping area. If you have any concerns about your baby’s sleep, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
Final Thoughts On Contact Napping
Contact napping can be a wonderful way to bond with your baby and promote healthy sleep habits. It can also be a helpful method for when your baby needs help sleeping either due to overtiredness or feeling unwell. The time to transition to independent sleep can vary with each family and baby but by establishing a consistent sleep routine, following wake windows, and encouraging independent sleep, you can help your baby make a smooth transition to when you and they are ready. With patience and consistency, you can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits that will serve them well into the future.
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Sources
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/
https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/sleep/sleep-training-baby/