- Better mood: Babies who nap on regular schedules in addition to sleeping well at night tend to be less grouchy. As a result, they eat better, grow better, learn better, and are less draining for their parents. Every baby has fussy spells, but those who get plenty of sleep tend to have fewer.
- Better nighttime sleep: Somewhat counter intuitively, napping during the day actually helps babies sleep better at night. A baby who is well rested during the day is liable to be less fussy in the evening hours leading up to bedtime, and this calm feeling makes it easier to establish a bedtime routine.
- Better growth: Babies undergo much of their physical and mental growth during sleep.
- Happier parents: The more the baby naps, the more time the parents have to rest, recover, work, and enjoy life.
Infant Napping: Everything You Need to Know
By Jamell Andrews
Everyone knows that babies spend a great deal of time napping, but many new parents are surprised by just how much of their time and energy will be devoted to fostering the baby’s naps. Getting a baby to nap regularly and on a set schedule is an immensely appealing idea to new parents who want a little predictability in their lives. But unfortunately, given that newborns’ sleep patterns tend to be unpredictable and may stay that way for several months, it is important to accept that it may be quite a while before your baby has set nap times.
Reasons napping is important
In any case, napping is certainly something that parents should take seriously, for several reasons.