New moms are always told that their babies need to get plenty of sleep and not just during the night. Tons of books stress the importance of the nap. Yes, whether it's 30 minutes or two hours, this rest time is said to help your little lovebug catch up on the ZZZ's that he needs as a growing infant.
However, not all babies are fans of getting some midday sleep in. In fact, many are not, which often causes moms and dads everywhere to worry. After all, tiny tots are supposed to sleep, right? Well surprisingly, the answer is no.
"A nap schedule isn't a rigid, inflexible plan," says Kim West, a clinical social worker and the author of the book "Good Night, Sleep Tight," said in a statement to Parenting.com.
You can't force a youngster to nap, but there are some things that you can do to make it easier for him to drift off into dreamland. Some parents play soothing music or give their bundle of joy a pacifier. Others feed their infant a snack, as experts have said that newborns who are put in their crib on a full stomach fall asleep easier.
Professionals, like pediatric sleep expert Judith Owens, say to make sure that your baby's room is cool, dark and comfortable. Owens recommends that your lovebug naps wherever it is he dozes off at night, as that is the place he is likely to fall and stay asleep.
However, if you suspect that your infant isn't sleeping well because he is in pain or feeling sick, then don't delay. Schedule an appointment with his pediatrician. These professionals can give you advice on how to help get your tiny tot the snooze that he needs.