Does Baby Napping Affect Your Baby’s Growth?

A lot of new parents are concerned about the effects of baby napping on their newborns. Is it safe? Does it affect the baby’s growth? How much sleep should they be getting at such a young age? These are all valid questions, and fortunately there are answers you can trust that will help you make smart decisions when it comes to baby napping.

What is baby napping?

Babies nap a lot, it’s just part of being a baby. In fact, research has shown that babies take up to 20 naps every day! But why do they need so many naps? Here’s a look at why baby napping is important and whether or not it affects your baby’s growth.

Understanding Baby napping

If your baby normally sleeps from 11 am until 1 pm. And if they fall asleep then they will miss nap time in the afternoon but will be able to sleep longer at night. If they take a shorter nap in the morning then maybe you can have them take their long naps later on in the day when there aren’t any other big activities scheduled. Whatever works best for your child. You want to make sure their days aren’t too long or too short because it could affect their energy levels throughout the rest of the day.

How does baby napping affect your baby’s growth?

Babies love naps, but if you’re wondering how a nap affects your baby’s growth, there are plenty of reasons for concern. Babies who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to be irritable and lethargic, which can lead to poor eating habits. When babies nap too much, they also miss out on important developmental opportunities.

What are the benefits of baby napping?

Babies need lots of sleep to grow and develop properly. Just how much sleep, though, is unclear because there’s not one right amount that works for every baby. But if you want your baby to be in good health, it’s a good idea to follow her cues. Most babies spend 12-18 hours a day sleeping and wake up for several feedings or naps throughout the day and night.

Is it ok if my baby gets up at night to feed?

Experts will tell you that when your baby wakes up at night to feed, it’s not just because he’s hungry. In fact, it’s because he was over-stimulated during his waking hours. So how do you avoid over-stimulating your baby during waking hours, and keep him happily sleeping through the night? Try putting him down for a good naps so that he stays happy and refreshed throughout his day.

FAQs

How much do babies nap as they grow older (from 0–3 months)?

At birth, a baby spends approximately 16 hours each day sleeping and will sleep between 12–18 hours at night. As they age, babies spend more time awake and can become more difficult to get to sleep at night. Older babies tend to take short naps that last about 20 minutes, but as they reach 2–3 months old, their naps increase in length.

How long should my newborn nap during the day (3–6 months)?

The amount of time your baby spends sleeping each day depends on a variety of factors, including her age and whether she’s breastfed or formula-fed. At 3 months old, a healthy baby should sleep up to 15 hours per day total of about 14 hours at night and 1 hour during daytime naps. By 6 months old, she will likely be napping between 2–3 hours per day, with an additional hour during nighttime sleep.

How long should my infant nap during the day (6–12 months)?

Babies 6–12 months old should be taking 1–2 naps per day, with each lasting approximately 3–4 hours. Afternoons are typically longer, while morning naps tend to be shorter. Make sure that your baby isn’t waking up due to hunger. If she is consistently waking at the same time of day and not eating when she wakes up, she may be just ready for a nap.

READ HERE TO READ FACTS ABOUT BABY NAPPING!!