In an ironic twist , letting baby nap for too long may also disrupt nighttime sleep . After 2-3 hours , wake baby gently , especially if it ’ s later in the day , to ensure their sleep schedule at night isn ’ t disrupted .
Speaking of Naps
If an older baby is suddenly developing worsening sleep habits , it may be time to transition from 3 naps to 2 or from 2 naps to 1 . While it may be tempting to cut naps altogether in hopes of baby being so super tired at night , he sleeps for 12 solid hours , this usually backfires . Good sleep begets good sleep , and missing a nap entirely may lead to sleep deprivation .
Read this article by gentle sleep author Elizabeth Pantley on nap transitions .
The Routine
A good bedtime routine cues baby that sleep is coming , and it can start as early as 3 months and should be implemented by 6 months of age . Some recommend a routine of 15 minutes while others suggest an hour , so I say do what works for you . The routine should be calming , so no active playing , tickling , or TV .
Consider creating 2 or 3 routines that you alternate , perhaps one with mom and another with dad , so that your child doesn ’ t need one particular parent or set of events to sleep . This makes it easier when the routine has to be disrupted for other siblings or a trip away from home .
Most parents put babies to bed too late in the evening in hopes that they ’ ll sleep later in the night , but sleep expert Elizabeth Pantley suggests the ideal bedtime for babies is 7 p . m . You can tweak that either way by about 30 minutes , but try to stay close to that magic hour . You may want to try to roll baby over to his side to rouse him just a small bit before you head to bed , which may reset his sleep cycle and help you sleep longer before his next waking .
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