Should we let sleeping babies lie? We asked the experts.
In our daughter Rowan’s first year, my husband and I repeated this scenario more times than I’d like to admit: Rowan wouldduring an exciting visit with Grandma and Grandpa, and we would leave shortly after dinner, smugly confident that we’d all have an early bedtime. Then, barely out of the driveway, I would sense quiet—too quiet—and turn around to see her napping away in the car seat.
But once your baby is a healthy weight and is feeding, peeing and pooping regularly—generally after the first couple of weeks—you can rest assured she can get that sleep and wake up to eat later, say Bridger. Because newborns have no concept of day or night, they can often sleep for long periods at all times of the day.
The one time when it’s a good idea to let your baby get some extra shut-eye at naptime? When she’s sick. Bridger says we all need a little extra sleep when we’re fighting off an illness—just make sure your baby is feeding enough to be nourished and stay hydrated. And ensure she’s not running a rectal temperature of 38˚C or higher.It’s not uncommon for babies to fall asleep in the early evening, especially after a busy day.
Bridger says if an evening nap becomes the new normal that keeps him awake until late —especially at six months or older—it’s a good idea to gently wake him and go through your nighttime routine to fill the time before getting to bed at a reasonable hour. Then, try to nudge his other naps to earlier in the day.Unfortunately, waking a baby from a nap early doesn’t help her sleep more that night. In fact, the opposite is true.
As for our family, we often chose tranquility in the car over waking Rowan from her evening nap. It meant a late night for everyone, but within a day or so, our daughter was always back to her normal sleeping pattern again. “As parents, we drive ourselves crazy sometimes when we don’t need to,” says Bridger. “The key at any age is to get enough good quality sleep within a 24-hour period—however that works for the child and the family.
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