How to transition to cot naps from contact naps (if you want to!)

Want to know how to transition from contact naps to cot naps?

Take one nap at a time

The first nap of the day is usually the easiest to practice. The first wake window is usually the shortest and also if things don’t go to plan then you have the rest of the day to sort things out.

Expect those catnaps

To start with these new cot naps will probably be short around 20 to 30 minutes - this is ‘normal’

Going from contact naps to cot naps is a big adjustment so expect short naps and it will feel less frustrating.

Keep and eye on wake windows and sleep cues

For some babies this can be important to prevent. If a baby is overtired they are likely to find it difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep.

Contact naps aren’t a bad habit!

If contact naps work for you and your baby that is the main thing. They are NOT a bad habit and if someone tells you to stop and you don’t want to then please don’t!