Establishing flexible nap patterns
Newborns nap frequently and unpredictably; a strict schedule isn’t realistic at first. Instead, follow a flexible routine based on wake windows — the time a baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps. For newborns, wake windows are short, often 45–90 minutes.
Steps to build a nap rhythm:
- Watch for early sleep cues: rubbing eyes, yawning, staring off.
- Aim to put the baby down for a nap before overtired signs appear.
- Expect 4–6 naps per day in the early weeks that gradually consolidate into fewer, longer naps.
Helpful habits
- Keep naps consistent in location and pre-nap routine (like a short song or dimming lights).
- Balance daytime sleep with opportunities for stimulation and feeding to support nighttime sleep consolidation.
- Be flexible during growth spurts or illness when naps may be longer or more frequent.
Over a few months you’ll see more predictability and can move toward a more structured nap schedule that fits your family’s rhythm.