What Is A Nap? Why Is It So Important For Your Baby? – The Sleep Company (1)

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What is Nap-Why It Is Important For Your Baby.
As an adult, we all crave naps, don't we? But did
you know nap time is crucial for your little
one, especially during the first year? This is
because when your little one's brain is
developing, the process can feel exhausting on
the mind. Ample rest helps avoid overstimulation
and ensures your baby's cognitive development and
behavioral health proceed without any
hindrance. In this blog, we walk you through the
importance of naps for your kid, what's the ideal
nap time and more. So, let's dive in!
What Is A Nap? A nap is nothing but a short sleep
that children take during the day. This is
crucial for them as it helps them rest and
recharge their energy. A day nap is also
important for young children because they need
more sleep than adults to grow and stay healthy.
They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours
but mostly depends on the child's age and needs.
Are Naps Important For Your Baby? The simple
answer is yes, nap time is absolutely necessary.
Now many parents worry that a baby nap can
interfere with the child's nighttime sleep. But
that's not the case. An overtired child can
become stressed and irritable. What's more, is
that this behavior can also hamper the nighttime
sleep. Instead, opt for naps. They can do wonders
for your child's mood. But that's not all. A nap
sleep supports brain development. It is also said
to help with various cognitive functions like
memory and language learning. Lastly, when you
opt for a proper nap duration, you have a happier
child. They are well- rested and free of any
stressors.
How Much Nap Does Your Baby Need as per Their
Age? Take a look at the below table that walks
you through the children sleep time for naps.
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Signs That Your Child Needs a Nap A few clear
indications that your little one is craving a
baby nap include,

1. You notice your child yawning a lot
2. They are rubbing their eyes very often
3. Your child is getting easily upset or crying a
   lot
4. They become extremely clingy and want to be held
5. They seem very tired and are easily irritated
6. They react or move slower than usual

So, when you notice any of the above-mentioned
signs, its usually your childs way of telling
you that they need some nap time. Generally, the
ideal time for a nap is the afternoon. How to
Incorporate Naps into My Child's Routine?
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Naps seem so easy, don't they? Especially because
we adults are overtired and sleep always feels
precious. But that's not the case with your
little one. So, how to take a nap? Here are a few
tips to steer you in the right direction.

• Make Sure You Maintain a Proper Nap Schedule
• Choose a set time each day for naps. Consistency
  always helps. This way, your child knows when to
  expect naps. Also, you can use the same trick
  when it comes to their nighttime sleep as well.
  This enables them to have a proper sleep schedule
  right from the start.
• Create a Calm, Cool, and Cosy Sleep Environment
• Make the nap area quiet, dark, and comfortable.
  These are crucial things that can make one fall
  asleep faster. Also, make sure the beds,
  mattresses, and bedding are ideal for your little
  one.
• For instance, a kid's mattress is better as they
  are specially designed for children and supports
  different sleeping positions as well. Even when
  it comes to your toddlers or pre-schoolers, a
  bed designed for them is always ideal.
• Winding Down Routine before Naps

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• Have a calming activity before nap time, like
  reading a book or singing a lullaby. Again, this
  trick can be borrowed for nighttime sleep. This
  helps your child get rid of any stressors and
  simply relax.
• Don't Change the Routine
• Routines are not boring here. Follow the same
  steps every day before nap time, such as
  changing into pyjamas or brushing your teeth.
  This signals your child's mind that it is now
  time for bed.
• Watch for Sleep Signs
• As mentioned earlier, pay attention to signs that
  your child is tired. Here, immediately start
  your nap time routine and help them enjoy their
  slumber.
• Be Flexible With Naps
• Now no matter how stringent your routine is, the
  demand for naps can come anytime. Therefore,
  adjust the nap schedule as needed based on your
  child's needs and activities.
• Avoid Late Naps
• Try to have naps early enough in the day so they
  don't interfere with nighttime sleep. The ideal
  nap time is usually 12 pm to 3 pm. But it can
  vary from child to child.
• At What Age Should I Stop Naps for My Child?
• Children stop needing regular naps between the
  ages of 3 and 5. Some of the signs that show
  your child doesn't need naps any longer are

1. They find it very difficult to fall asleep at
   night
2. They are organically skipping naps but energy
   levels don't go down
3. Their nap time has drastically gone down, and
   your child wakes up fresh
4. Your child is happy and alert even without naps

Takeaway
While we all love naps after a certain age, it is
a crucial factor in young children as naps
support growth and development. Just like you
have a nighttime routine for sleep, make sure
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you have one for naps as well. However, make sure
your little one indulges in naps early in the
afternoon so it doesn't interfere with their
sleep. Another thing you need to help them sleep
better is the right mattress. That's why The
Sleep Company brings you a Smart Baby Mattress
specially designed for your little one. They
come with the patented SmartGrid technology that
fully supports your child as they snooze. The
amalgamation of SmartGrid Technology with
scientific expertise makes sure that every nap
aids healthier growth. Some of the other key
features of the mattress include,

1. 2500 air channels for breathability
2. Firm Feel
3. 100 waterproof
4. 10 years warranty
5. 10 years warranty

Invest in a healthier sleep for your little one today with the Smart Baby Mattress!
FAQs How much sleep does my baby need? The amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age. You can take a look at the comprehensive table we bring you in the above article to help you out. What are the signs my baby needs a nap? A few signs that show your baby needs a nap are yawning, rubbing their eyes, feeling irritable and looking tired. When you notice the signs, immediately start the bedtime routine and help your child enjoy a proper nap. How can I create a good nap routine for my baby? A few things you can do to set up a good nap routine for your child include, FAQs How much sleep does my baby need? The amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age. You can take a look at the comprehensive table we bring you in the above article to help you out. What are the signs my baby needs a nap? A few signs that show your baby needs a nap are yawning, rubbing their eyes, feeling irritable and looking tired. When you notice the signs, immediately start the bedtime routine and help your child enjoy a proper nap. How can I create a good nap routine for my baby? A few things you can do to set up a good nap routine for your child include,

• Set a consistent schedule where your child takes
  naps at the same time every day
• Make sure the environment of the room is calm and
  cosy
• Have a soothing pre-nap routine like storytime or
  singing lullabies
• Adjust the routine as per your babys needs

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• Does my baby need a completely dark room for
  naps?
• A dark room can benefit your child but at the end
  of the day, see what your child prefers and
  adjust accordingly.
• Will naps affect my baby's nighttime sleep?
• Naps will not affect your babys nighttime sleep
  only when you manage it well. Therefore, have a
  set nap length and make sure naps are done early
  in the afternoon.