Experts agree that the best way to help your child transition from play to nap is through a calming, consistent ritual. You can begin creating nap time rituals for your baby as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age. A wind-down ritual should start 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled nap.
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Animal Good Night
“Good night. Sleep tight,”
said the cow with a lazy moo.
“Good night. Sleep tight,”
said the owl with a quiet whoo.
“Good night. Sleep tight,” said the cat with a dreamy mew.
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Which nap time rituals work?
Depending on the age of your child, a bottle or a snack usually helps prepare a child for nap time. It’s always easier to fall asleep with a full belly.
Giving your baby a bath and changing into sleep clothes is another good nap time ritual.
Cuddling and snuggle time.
A bedtime story, soft music or singing a lullaby can help your little one know it’s time to sleep.
Wearing a nap cap can help relax baby, by blocking out light and distractions.
A special stuffed toy in the bed can even be part of your nap time routine.
Some parents use a swing or rocking as part of the nap time ritual.
For my son, a bottle followed by some rocking and singing lullabies always did the trick. I don’t know what I would have done without a rocking chair when he was a baby.
Creating nap time rituals is the best way to help your child go to sleep during the day.
Which nap time rituals work for you and your little one?