The benefits of naps for babies (and their parents!)



Understanding nap rhythms according to baby’s age
Children’s sleep needs change rapidly with their age. Here’s a general overview.
Napping needs from 0 to 3 months
During the first few months, baby’s sleep is distributed throughout the day and night. On average, a newborn sleeps between 18 and 20 hours a day, with 4 to 5 short naps. These cycles enable his brain to adapt to the day/night rhythm, a process still under construction at this age. Discover our article on newborn sleep.
From 4 to 12 months: a gradual reduction in naps
From 4 months onwards, baby’s sleep-wake rhythm becomes more regular, and he begins to reduce the number of naps, with 2 to 3 naps, varying in length from 30 minutes to 2 hours per nap. See our article on how to help your baby sleep through the night.
1 to 3 years: the afternoon nap
At this age, most children have just one nap a day, usually after lunch (between 1h30 and 2 hours). This helps to avoid fatigue peaks at the end of the day, and ensures that children fall asleep more peacefully in the evening.
Your child may be tired in the morning or after the day’s activities, depending on the period, the type of childcare and the activities he or she is involved in. For example, some babies need a mini-nap when they get home. #powernap
At what age does a child stop napping?
We’re sorry to tell you, but most children stop napping between the ages of 3 and 5. The infant and toddler years are not always obvious. On the one hand, Junior’s need for sleep is physiologically diminished. On the other hand, school is exhausting! The result? Junior takes long naps at school.
Parents are left with a very fit child, who is sometimes slow to return to the sandman in the evening. For older children, you can swap the nap for a quiet moment (preferably without screens).

The physiological and cognitive benefits of baby naps
Let’s start by explaining the benefits of napping. A baby’s first months (or years) of life are marked by intense neuronal development. It’s during sleep, especially naps, that brain connections are strengthened and new information is consolidated.
In other words, every nap helps to organize and memorize what has been learned (sounds, movements, interactions), and promotes the development of long-term memory.
Secondly, a well-rested baby is in a better mood, less stressed and better able to sleep at night. Just like an adult, a baby with a sleep debt tends to be grumpy. And let’s face it, nap time for the baby is also a time of rest for his parents. You know, the famous “rest when baby sleeps”?
After the theory, it’s time for the reality. Bear in mind that every baby is different: there are little sleepers and big sleepers. The most important thing is to understand and respond to your child’s needs.

Our secret weapons for a good nap
Babies need a soothing environment to rest well, day and night. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be to create a predictable, reassuring environment adapted to your child’s needs. Our advice:
- Observe the signs of sleep (baby rubbing his eyes, yawning…) rather than your watch at bedtime.
- Create a reassuring naptime ritual
- Organize a suitable environment: a pleasant temperature (around 19-20°C), a little darkness but not too much, so as not to confuse the night.
- For naps, baby doesn’t always need to be in his cot, but it helps.
- If you’re out and about, leave him in his stroller. We’ll be sure to tell you all about Nordic naps very soon…
- A cozy bed, of course! Think of the rocking that can help little ones fall asleep. That’s why our KUMI cradle and KUKO bassinet can rock on their wooden supports.
- Our KUMI crib is equipped with new castors so you can move it wherever you like, and even give your baby the rhythm of his naps.
- Finally, you asked for it… The KIMI crib canopy is here! Your little one will be well protected in his cocoon.
My baby doesn’t nap. Is that a problem, Doctor?
Not necessarily! There are many possible reasons, not to mention reflux or GERD. Bear in mind, too, that napping needs can vary according to age, teething or development. Don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician for advice if your baby doesn’t nap.
The Charlie Crane team
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