From 4 months, every baby has 3 biological “nap windows,” which are specific periods during the day that are optimal for sleep 🙌🏻. Within these windows, your baby will naturally become sleepy and experience a decline 📉 in both energy and alertness. This aligns with both their circadian rhythm and homeostatic sleep drive, which regulates their body’s need and amount of sleep 😴
These nap windows typically occur between 9-10:00am, 12-2:00pm, and 6-7:00pm 🌙. Therefore, adjusting their naps in line with these windows can* make it easier for them to go to self-soothe and consolidate their naps 🤩
These nap windows explain why the late afternoon nap is typically the most challenging 😰, often requiring assistance in the form of a car drive, walk in the pram, or baby carrier. This is also why we also suggest a bedtime between 6-7:00pm, aligning with an appropriate awake window.
Keep in mind that melatonin can only* be produced in the dark. Therefore, by having your baby’s sleep environment pitch black will increase your success of putting them down for their naps during these times 👏🏻
If you are sleep deprived, wanting to break a current sleep association, or looking to consolidate your baby’s sleep and say goodbye 👋🏻 to catnaps and night wakes, please reach out and book a consultation at www.settletosleep.com.au so we can support you in restoring sleep for you and your family 🩷🌸💫