What To Do If Your Newborn Won’t Sleep Or Nap During The Day

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Challenges
This is a tough one. You are obsessed with your newborn and they are lovely to spend time with but if all your basic needs are going by the wayside because your beautiful little sidekick isn't sleeping, it might be time to look at what else you can try to get some shut eye for them (and you!) Let's have a look at the reasons why your newborn might be struggling to get that sweet sleep and what might help.
Love To Dream
6 min read |
30 May, 2023

Reasons why your newborn is not sleeping or napping during the day

There could be a few different reasons your baby sleeps well at night but not for naps, and thankfully it’s probably not because they’re a natural-born party animal. Although FOMO is real - we get it. Some of the more common reasons for not day napping are:

Overtired 

Once your baby becomes overtired, it’s much harder to get to sleep. In an overtired state, your little one can produce cortisol and stress hormones, making the task of falling asleep a lot harder. Watch for your baby’s sleepy cues, so you can try to put them down for a nap before they reach the point of being overtired. 

Overstimulated

Babies are sensitive to light and sound. If you’ve taken your baby to a loud, busy place or they’re being passed around the lunch table by a legion of adoring fans, they may become overstimulated and unable to fall asleep right away come nap time. Consider some down time before a nap, and give your little one the opportunity to fall asleep somewhere calm and quiet when their awake time is coming to an end. 

Hunger 

It’s a good idea to schedule a feed just before nap time, to give your baby the opportunity to fill up their tiny tummy. There are some recommendations not to feed your baby to sleep to avoid developing hard-to-break sleep associations but sometimes, you just need to do what works to get the sleep happening!  

Discomfort 

If your baby is wet, too warm, or too cold, they may not be able to settle for sleep. Always check that baby has a fresh nappy before their nap, and that they're dressed in breathable, temperature-appropriate fabrics. A Swaddle Up™ in the right TOG for your room temperature can help keep them comfortable without overheating.

Number of Naps 

Getting the balance of naps right can be tricky. Too few and your baby is overtired. Too many and they may not have built up enough sleep pressure to settle well. Following age-appropriate wake windows and watching your baby's individual cues can help you find the sweet spot

    Change of settling technique 

    If you're in the process of changing how your baby falls asleep say, moving from being rocked or fed to sleep to settling in their cot, it may take a period of adjustment. This is normal. Your baby is learning a new skill, and like all new skills, it takes a bit of practice. 

    How To Get Your Newborn To Nap During The Day

    Babies be babies. They are figuring out a lot of new things as they enter the world and sleep is one of them so it can be unpredictable in the first few months. There are no real guarantees with baby sleep but layering a few of these tips together can stack up and make a real difference over time.

    Create a Consistent Pre-Nap Routine

    A short, predictable routine (a sequence of events, not a rigid schedule) before each nap helps signal to your baby that sleep is coming. This doesn't need to be complicated. A diaper change, a feed, a swaddle, and a quiet cuddle in a dim room is plenty. Doing the same thing each time builds a strong sleep cue your baby will start to recognize.

    Watch Those Wake Windows

    Newborns can only handle short stretches of awake time before they need to sleep again. As a rough guide:

    • 0-4 weeks: 35-60 minutes awake
    • 4-8 weeks: 60-90 minutes awake
    • 8-12 weeks: 75 minutes to 2 hours awake
    • 3-4 months: 1.5-2.5 hours awake

    Every baby is different, so use these as a starting point and adjust based on your baby's cues.

    Set Up the Right Sleep Environment

    Where your baby sleeps matters. A few simple things can help:

    • Dim the room: blackout curtains or blinds work well for daytime naps
    • Use white noise: a steady, low hum can help block out household sounds and mimic the whooshing your baby heard in the womb
    • Keep the temperature comfortable: aim for around 68-72°F as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
    • Swaddle your baby: swaddling provides a feeling of security and comfort, and helps reduce the startle reflex that can wake babies during light sleep. The Swaddle Up™ lets your baby sleep in their natural arms-up position, which many babies find more soothing than traditional swaddling

    The "Drowsy But Awake" Approach

    This can either work like a charm or backfire so be prepared for both! The concept is to try putting your baby down when they're sleepy but not fully asleep.

    The benefit being, they recognize they aren't in your arms for sleep so if they wake, they aren't startled that you've disappeared and it also gives them the opportunity to drift off in their own sleep space.

    The flipside is, putting them down is what wakes them up so try making sure they are in their familiar swaddle, very gently place them down and move your hand from their back to their chest before slowly removing that too. If they are calm and drifting off you might just be able to sneak out for that shower after all.

    If it backfires and they start to cry, pick them up and try again later if you have it in the tank to. If you're maxed out and just need them to rest, try again another time. It's ok if it doesn't work at first and when you're up to it, you can try putting them down a bit before they get drowsy. It might just take them a little longer to fall asleep independently but they are all skills they will build over time.

    When To Speak To Your Pediatrician

    Most newborn sleep challenges are a normal part of development. But it's worth reaching out to your pediatrician or healthcare provider if:

    • Your baby seems to be in pain or very uncomfortable after feeds
    • They are consistently sleeping far less than expected for their age (newborns typically need 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period)
    • You notice unusual breathing patterns during sleep
    • You're feeling overwhelmed or exhausted to a point that's affecting your wellbeing

    There's no medal for pushing through alone. Getting support early is always a good call.

    FAQ's about babies not napping during the day

    What if my baby doesn't sleep during the day?
    It can be really tough to do when you're also sleep and rest deprived but keep testing different combinations or look for a clue as to what the issue might be. It may be that your baby is having trouble settling, is overtired or uncomfortable. Or maybe they like having a walk in the stroller before their feed and then feel rested and calm for sleep. If you've tried everything or are at your limit, contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized advice.
    Why is my baby fighting naps?
    There can be so many reasons why the nap just ain't napping but as we looked at above, there can be lots of little things to tweak to try and establish more consistent sleep. Just know, there is an element of development normalcy for babies to have unpredictable sleep but only you can know when it's at a point that needs further help.
    Why is my newborn not sleeping after feeding?
    There may be many reasons your newborn is not sleeping after feeding. They may be uncomfortable, have gas or an intolerance. Begin by gently ensuring your baby has had the opportunity to get rid of gas in their tummy after feeding, or consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you notice your baby is showing signs they are in discomfort after each feed.
    Should you swaddle a newborn for daytime naps?
    Swaddling your baby for each nap and bedtime routine not only provides them with a feeling of security and comfort, it is a signal to your baby that it's time for sleeping. Swaddles not only provide comfort, but can help support baby's sudden reflexes from waking them up too abruptly during naps.
    How do I get my baby to nap without being held?
    Ah, the nap trap! If your baby has gotten used to falling asleep in your warm arms, who could blame them? Total bliss but if you're needing a break that makes total sense! Transitioning to independent naps takes a bit of patience and that's hard to do when you're running on empty but these are some tips that might help: Start by swaddling your baby so they still feel snug and secure — the Swaddle Up™ is designed to replicate that cozy, held feeling. Then try cuddling them until they're calm and due for a nap but before they get too drowsy and comfortable, gently place them in their crib or bassinet. Keep your hand on their tummy and offer some gentle shushing with the goal of them gently drifting off in their sleep space first, instead of being moved when they are already asleep or on the way there. It can take a few days of trying at every nap but worth a shot for the shower and snack.
    At what age do babies stop napping?
    Most children start to drop their daytime nap somewhere between 2.5 and 3 years old. You'll notice more resistance to the daytime nap and perhaps more wakefulness at bedtime. Every child is different though — some drop it earlier, some hold on a bit longer, and that's all perfectly normal.

    You're doing a great job. Even if it feels like everything is hard. Newborn sleep can feel like a puzzle that keeps changing color, but with a bit of repetition, patterns can start to stack up and make it a little easier and more predictable for you, and them. If you're looking for more tips, head over to our baby sleep hub for more expert advice, or explore our newborn swaddle range to help your little dreamer settle into sleep a little easier.

    Sweet dreams (for both of you).

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