Sleep Schedule for Infant (Newborn to 3 months)

Yes, 'contact naps' are completely normal and very common for newborns and young infants. They provide comfort, security, and can help regulate your baby's breathing and temperature. For now, embrace them! When you're ready to transition to crib naps, start by trying for one nap a day (often the first morning nap is easiest). Ensure the crib is a safe, appealing environment: dark room, white noise, and a comfortable temperature. You can try warming the sheet with a hot water bottle (removed before placing baby). Aim to place your baby down 'drowsy but awake,' or wait until they are in a deep sleep (their arm will feel heavy and limp when you lift it) after a contact nap before transferring them slowly.

Rest assured, contact naps are not 'bad habits' for infants. For the first few months, babies have a strong need for closeness and often sleep best in physical contact. This phase doesn't 'ruin' their ability to nap independently later; it simply means they have a strong need for connection right now. Their nap schedule is still developing. Focus on meeting their current needs. As they grow and their nervous system matures, many babies naturally become more comfortable napping independently. You can gradually introduce independent sleep skills when you both feel ready, without feeling guilty about the earlier contact naps.

This is a very common 'put-down' problem! Babies cycle through different sleep stages. They often fall asleep in light sleep and wake easily when moved. To increase your chances of a successful transfer: 1) Wait for deep sleep: Wait about 15-20 minutes after they've fallen asleep, when their breathing is regular and their limbs feel heavy and relaxed. 2) Warm the crib: Place a hot water bottle (removed before baby goes in!) or a warmed blanket in the crib to avoid a cold shock. 3) Slow and low: Lower them slowly, feet first, then bottom, then head. Keep your hand on their chest or head for a few moments after putting them down to provide continued pressure and comfort. 4) White noise: Maintain consistent white noise throughout the nap to block out startling sounds.

A gradual approach works best to preserve nap time. Start by picking one nap, typically the first morning nap, as it's often the easiest for babies to settle independently. Establish a consistent, calming pre-nap routine (e.g., diaper change, story, snuggle, white noise) to signal nap time. Begin by trying to put them down 'drowsy but awake' for this one nap. If they don't settle, you can pick them up, resettle, and try again. If it's clear they won't nap independently that time, don't force it – go back to a contact nap to ensure they get the sleep they need. Consistency with the routine and one attempt per day will slowly build their familiarity and comfort with the crib.

Not necessarily. Babies are often able to differentiate between daytime and nighttime sleep routines. While they might need contact for naps due to developmental needs for closeness and security during the day, they may be able to sleep independently at night, especially if you have a separate, consistent nighttime routine focused on independent sleep. The skills for independent sleep are learned, and a baby who contact naps during the day might still be a great independent night sleeper, or they might learn independent sleep for naps at a later stage than for nighttime. Prioritize safe sleep for nighttime, and remember that daytime contact naps are meeting a valid need.