Naps improve night sleep

Author of the No-Cry Sleep Solution, Elizabeth Pantley talks about the need for regular naps. According to sleep research, and motherly experience, the length and the quality of naps affect nighttime sleep. (And, conversely, night time sleep affects naps.)

Babies differ in their napping needs - but here's a general guide that applies to most babies: 

Age,  No. of Naps, Hours of Naptime

4 months: 3 naps, 4-6 hrs
6 months: 2 naps, 3-4 hrs
9 months: 2 naps, 2.5-4 hrs
12 months: 1-2 naps,2-3 hrs
2 years: 1 naps, 1-2 hrs
3 years: 1 naps, 1-1.5 hrs

When should your baby nap?
Timing of naps is important. A nap too late in the day will negatively affect nighttime sleep. Certain times of the day are better for napping because they suit your baby's biological clock; these optimum periods balance sleep and wake time to affect night time sleep in the most positive way.

All babies are different, but generally, the best nap times are as follows:

Watch your baby's sleepy signals!
Naps should happen immediately when your baby shows signs of tiredness. If you wait too long, she becomes overtired, "wired up," and unable to sleep.

Once you are familiar with your baby's nap needs you can plan a nap routine to start the wind-down process. If consistent naps are new to you look more for your baby's signs of tiredness and scrimp on the routine until you settle into a predictable pattern. In other words, don't begin a lengthy pre-nap routine if your baby is clearly ready to sleep!

Watch for these signs of fatigue; your baby may demonstrate one or more of these:

Timing is very, very important!
You have probably experienced this scenario: Your baby looks tired and you think, "Time for a nap." So, you wash her hands and face, change her diaper, answer a phone call, put out the dog, and head for baby's crib or the family bed, only to find that she's suddenly wide awake and anxious to play! Continued...