Your Baby’s Naps – 6 Important Things Every Mom Should Know

last updated on: 03.06.2025 | Medical review by:

Mayara Belli

Nutritionist

Everyone knows that children’s sleep is essential for their physical and psychological development. There are also reference tables indicating the appropriate number of hours children should sleep according to their age, as well as the number and duration of naps¹. But it’s not always as easy as it seems in theory, and many families struggle when it comes to naps. To help moms who read Famivita, let’s talk about some of the unique aspects of this important part of your baby’s growth.

1) The first nap of the day is the most important! This nap is the one that will really help your child to rest. We’re not saying that other naps aren’t important, but this one is certainly the most restorative.

2) Many 6-month-old babies still need 3 naps a day. Although most babies at 6 months drop the last nap, some still need this short sleep at the end of the afternoon to prepare to sleep at night. Some babies get so overtired that if they don’t take this little nap, they become irritable and won’t be able to sleep well at night, taking longer to fall asleep and waking more often during the night. It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s behavior before cutting out the third nap.

3) Many babies who sleep well at night have trouble napping during the day. Nighttime sleep is quite different from daytime sleep². A child might have difficulty sleeping when it’s bright and noisy during the day. The tip here is to make sure the environment is suitable for your child to sleep during the day too. Slow down the pace around the house and lower the lights at least a little to help your baby get into a deep sleep. Think about your family’s habits. How is the mother’s sleep? And the father’s? Some children inherit their sleep patterns from their parents³.

4) Know the typical periods when babies transition between naps and prepare for them. This is what usually happens:

From 1 to 3 months – 4 to 5 naps per day (feed on demand and usually wake to be fed)
From 3 to 4 months – 3 to 4 naps
From 5 to 8 months – 3 naps
From 9 to 15 months – 2 naps
From 16 to 18 months – 1 to 2 naps
From 18 months to 3 or 4 years – 1 nap

5) Naps taken while moving are not as restorative as those taken in calm environments designed for babies to sleep. Many mothers walk around the house with the stroller or even use the car as the fastest way to get the baby to sleep. Studies show these naps are not as effective as those where the baby is calm in a comfortable sleep environment. Of course, sometimes this is the only solution, but the important thing is to not let this become a habit and lead to a wrong sleep association – that the baby needs to be rocked to sleep. Instead, it’s best to adjust your routine and schedule to meet your baby’s sleep needs.

6) Babies who sleep well are in a good mood, are more adaptable and more secure. Think of your child’s sleep as a gift, a skill you can encourage so they can develop physically and psychologically in a healthy way.

Michele Melão is a certified infant sleep consultant and baby planner by the International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals (IABPP) and the International Maternity Institute (IMI), California, and a partner at Maternitycoach.com.br – a consultancy specializing in various services for pregnant women and babies.

Photo: sima dimitric

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