Cracking the Cat Nap
Cat Naps Driving You Crazy?
Ever feel like your little one's naps are just... taunting you? 😅 You know, those frustrating 30-minute wake-ups that leave you wondering if you even had time to breathe? You're not alone! I get asked about these "cat naps" all the time, so let's dive into how to handle them.
Why the 30-Minute Wake-Up? (Understanding Short Naps)
The secret often lies in how your little one is actually falling asleep. We call this their "sleep onset." So, let's be honest:
Are you rocking, feeding, or patting them to sleep?
Or are you placing them in their cot drowsy but awake?
If you're assisting them to sleep, that's likely the culprit behind those short naps. You see, a full baby sleep cycle is about 60 minutes. But when they shift from deep to light sleep around the 30-minute mark, they wake up because they haven't learned to connect those sleep cycles independently.
Don't Rush to the Rescue (Just Yet!)
It's tempting to think, "30 minutes, nap's over!" But hold on! Instead, try this:
Give them a chance to resettle on their own.
If needed, respond as you would during a nighttime wake-up.
Allow a good 45-60 minutes for resettling.
Yes, that can feel like the "longest hour" ever! And yes, they might wake up again 10 minutes later. But don't give up! Each resettle is a win, and eventually, they'll learn to connect those sleep cycles.
Timings and Overtiredness: The Tricky Duo (Wake Windows and Nap Length)
Missing that ideal sleep window can lead to two naptime nightmares:
They fight sleep altogether.
They take a short nap and struggle to resettle.
Wake windows can be a bit of a guessing game, but it's always better to put them down slightly undertired than overtired. Start earlier and gradually push those windows out.
Feeling Like You're Fighting a Losing Battle? (Baby Sleep Help and Support)
Don't worry, you're not alone! If you're ready to tackle those cat naps head-on, check out The Sleep Nanny App. It's packed with tips on wake windows, nap extensions, and how to help your child master independent settling skills. Let's get those little ones (and you!) sleeping soundly!
If you feel you would like more personalised support when it comes to your childs sleep, book in a Complimentary call to explore 1:1 coaching options.
