Transitioning from Contact Naps to Naps in a Cot : A Gentle Approach
Engaging in a contact nap is often considered one of the most wonderful ways to connect with our little ones. This practice is entirely natural, a tradition that humans have embraced for thousands of years. The early stages of a baby's life require assistance in transitioning from the cosy environment of the womb to the vastness of the real world. Establishing emotional and physical connections with you is a vital component of this developmental journey.
If you're contemplating a shift from contact napping to cot napping, it's crucial to assess your motivations and ensure it aligns with your and your baby's needs.
Is it Time to Shift from Contact to Cot Napping?
Before embarking on this transition, take a moment to ponder the reasons behind it. Perhaps you're concerned that your little one may only nap through contact, and that, of course, is a valid reason to consider a change. But firstly I’d encourage you to ask yourself: Does it genuinely matter if the only way they nap is on you? If the answer is a resounding "yes," then, by all means, initiate the transition. On the contrary, if your motivation stems from external pressures or societal expectations, trust your instincts and consider maintaining the current way for a little longer.
There's no reason why you can't revisit the idea in the coming few weeks or months. Focus on what is currently effective for both you and your little one. Avoid getting entangled in future concerns; prioritise the present and what works best for your unique bond.
Gentle and Responsive Approach to Nap Change
If you’ve decided that now is the perfect time to stop contact napping, then this can be done in a gentle and responsive way. If your baby is under 6 months, then it can be a little bit easier than if they are older. Older babies who have always contact napped are generally less likely to immediately embrace napping in a cot, so you might need to be a bit more patient and introduce changes a little more slowly.
Preparing for the Change
As with many aspects of life, preparation significantly contributes to success. So before embarking on any changes to your baby's nap routine, take a moment to prepare yourself.
Emotional Readiness for Both You and Your Baby
Firstly, reflect on your emotional state as this transition is not only a significant step for your little one but also for you. Ensuring that you approach this process from a calm standpoint is important. Your emotional composure becomes instrumental, especially since your little one may experience moments of upset during this transition. Remaining calm is not only beneficial for you but also aids in assisting your baby in regulating their emotions.
Your Scent and Your Baby
Secondly, spend a few nights sleeping with the cot bedding and baby sleep bag. The infusion of your scent onto these items can significantly aid in making the transition smoother for your baby. Recognising the world through their senses, babies find comfort and familiarity in the scent associated with their caregiver.
Familiarising Your Baby with the Cot Environment
Thirdly, spend time with your baby in the room where the cot is located. Allow your baby to play in the cot with you nearby or be in the cot while you potter around the room. Importantly, these sessions should not coincide with nap times. The goal is to have your baby wide awake, acclimating to the environment. Through these interactions, the cot becomes a positive, safe, and comfortable space for your baby to be.
Identifying the Optimal Nap for Transition
Fourthly, consider which nap to initiate the transition. Always do hard things at easy times! Identify the nap during the day that you perceive as the easiest time for your baby to fall asleep. Anecdotally, many parents find that the first morning nap is relatively more manageable, although I don’t believe there is any concrete evidence to support this. Nevertheless, beginning with this nap often aligns with parents' experiences, making it a pragmatic starting point for implementing changes.
The Transition Process: Gentle Steps
To begin, get your baby to fall asleep as you normally would for a contact nap. After your baby has fallen asleep, allow 15 to 20 minutes for them to enter a deep sleep. Signs of deep sleep include slow and regular breathing, accompanied by an overall sense of calmness. As an additional indicator, you can perform the "limp limb" test by gently lifting one of their hands; if it drops spontaneously, it signifies that they are indeed in a deep sleep.
Once you’re at this point move slowly, really slowly! I was always very guilty of rushing this point and of course my baby would wake up and I’d have to start all over again! Gently hold your baby slightly away from you, over the cot, and count to 10. If they stir, bring them back toward you before trying again.
Either slowly lower the lower half of their body first, i.e. legs and bottom, and once those parts of the body touch the cot surface, follow with the upper half. Or lower your baby onto the side of their body, hold them there for a few seconds and then very gently roll them onto their back.
Place your hand onto their tummy and chest with your other hand around their head. If your baby stirs try shushing or gently patting. Wait a minute or two. You could try the limp limb test again just to make sure they really are out for the count. Very gently remove your hands and quietly walk away. Fingers crossed that should do the trick!
Lullaby Trust Advice
You may have read the suggestion of warming the sleep space before you put your baby down. The Lullaby Trust advises against this. Research shows that when a baby gets too hot there is a risk of them overheating.
Troubleshooting and Alternative Approaches
If the first attempts prove challenging, don't be disheartened. Stick with contact napping and try again the next day.
If it's just not working, and it's becoming stressful for the pair of you, then there are other alternatives to explore. Consider experimenting with different approaches to ease the transition. One method is lying down with your baby on your bed as they fall asleep and gently rolling away once they are in a deep sleep. This allows you to remain close during their nap without direct physical contact. Alternatively, a floor bed can be used similarly to provide a gradual shift from contact napping.
Consider your little one may not be entirely ready for this transition. If initial attempts prove challenging, be patient! Waiting for a few weeks before attempting the transition again might lead to greater success.
Patience, Practise and Persistence!
Remember, each child's temperament plays a role in the ease of the transition.
And don't forget a child’s temperament plays a big role in this. Some children will be far far easier to transition to a cot nap than others. So don't blame yourself if your little one is struggling with the change. It’s quite normal for this not to be an easy process. Be patient, go slowly, and trust that practice will lead to perfection. Good luck!
