How to Embrace Naps on Adventures
All mamas know that naps are sacred! It’s a moment in the day for your baby’s bodies to restore and our minds to relax after all the go!-go!-go!. Once you’ve found a routine that works, it’s very tempting to want to stick to it so as to not screw it up. However, I do think it’s possible to slightly adjust the routine here and there to make time to explore with your baby. After all, it’s so beneficial for both of you to get outdoors and live your lives to the fullest!
Here are a few tips that have worked for Teix and I since he was a newborn:
Allow one nap in the crib.
Research shows that the first nap of the day is the most mentally-restorative for our babies, while the following naps are physically-restorative. Teix would usually take his first nap in his crib, in a dark sleep environment that would ensure his first nap was the longest. He would then take his consecutive naps in the front carrier, the chariot or the carseat.
Practice.
Practicing naps on-the-go on a daily basis while walking with friends or running errands made for a smooth transition to naps while hiking, skiing, biking, camping and so on.
Be flexible.
From my own experience, I can vouch that it is not the end of the world if your baby shortens or entirely skips a nap. They will make up for it! Whether they get back on track during their next nap, their bedtime sleep or the next day, you’ll start realizing that their sleep will eventually regulate.
Manage your expectations.
I’ll be honest: Your baby probably won’t nap for as long on-the-go as they will at home. My advice? Go with the flow! If naps are short, perhaps offer an earlier bedtime. As mentioned, you will see that they will be back on track within a day or two.
Take advantage of “awake time”.
Stimulate your baby during their wake window leading up to a nap on-the-go. Actively playing with them during their awake time will most likely encourage them to fall asleep easily while out and about.
Pack sleep products.
If your baby usually sleeps with a sound machine on, a pacifier and/or a “lovey” at home, make sure to pack these with you for your adventure. They will help signal to your baby that it is time to cozy up and fall asleep. This tip was especially handy for Teix during his 2-to-1 nap transition.
Pay attention to wake windows.
Even when you’re out exploring, try to keep track of your baby’s wake windows and offer them a nap accordingly. This might involve switching the positioning on your front carrier so that they are inward- rather than outward-facing, while offering them a pacifier and humming a song; Or turning on the portable sound machine and lowering the sunshade on the chariot. There are always ways to improve your baby’s comfort levels and adjust the environment to make it all more conducive for sleep… Even outdoors!
In the end, “what is life but one grand adventure?”. Now that I’ve returned to work full-time, I look back at my maternity leave year and truly appreciate all the adventures Teix and I went on. The shorter sleeps (or lack thereof) were all regained in time, and the incredible memories we made will always be treasured.
