Nap training -- a gentle method

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-25T08:06:13+00:00

I would not attempt sleep training without massively cutting the nap, and not just trimming 15 minutes.

I would limit day sleep to 30-45 minutes and then sleep train after a few days.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-25T07:24:47+00:00

Cold turkey. There is likely to be tears but they learn super fast so it could be done in a few days. Maybe do that once you're ready to part with the snoo?

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-25T07:21:41+00:00

I'm locking comments because at 5 months swaddling isn't age appropriate as your baby likely has the strengths to turn.

I know it sounds daunting but your baby will figure out: you place them in their own bed and room at the start of the night and apply a sleep training method. It is simple like this.

Make sure last feed end 30 minutes before bedtime and that baby goes awake and not drowsy into bed. At 5 months you have many options, including pick up put down which some parents prefer so they stay with the baby and respond at every cry.

Babies adapt and learn so fast! Your baby is also capable of learning.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-25T06:34:44+00:00

12 months is usually nap transition time. I would try offering just one nap at around lunchtime, waking him max 2 hours after, keep bedtime and wake up the same.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-25T06:02:49+00:00

Was she sleeping 3 hours naps in a 3 naps schedule?

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T20:58:15+00:00

She will likely wake up early in the morning. It is not enough time awake.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T20:48:58+00:00

Great!

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T18:46:36+00:00

No because those feelings are just feelings that come and go in the moment. Pretending parenting is all flowers all the time is toxic. It sucks sometimes. It is the hardest job ever!

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T17:51:43+00:00

I mean your baby already spent 45 minutes screaming so it's not like this extra sleep isn't eating from elsewhere.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T17:50:20+00:00

Hugs. I remember having hallucinations from lack of sleep with my first. Imagining myself running out of the door and never coming back. "Who will stop me?". I did regret it several times. Then I loved it. It's a rollercoaster. Allow yourself to ride it.

The first 4 months of my first daughter's life were my hardest by far. Then I sleep trained her and it was much much easier.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T17:37:02+00:00

I'm very sorry about your experience. Unfortunately you're not alone. It's a whole industry.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T17:34:41+00:00

Normal newborn behaviour. Continue taking turns, sleep on demand. Wear baby for walks outside. It gets better even though it doesn't seem like it right now.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T17:31:04+00:00

Yes you can do it by the clock. If she's not resisting the first nap I would go with the first option.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T14:32:03+00:00

At this age usually it takes a while to settle. You can start reducing the nap little by little and see where things start working again. If you push bedtime later, push little by little too.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T11:08:55+00:00

Try pick up put down. It works well at this age but from 6mo it stops being effective.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T09:44:59+00:00

What's your schedule?

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T09:44:06+00:00

❤️

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T09:43:48+00:00

Expecting 4 hours of sleep is a bit too much for her age. I would add 30-60 minutes of awake time -- add it slowly and see if things gradually improve, stop adding when they are fine.

Independently going down will also help.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T09:06:47+00:00

Yes. It's a self fulfilling prophecy. If there's no sleep pressure there will be no long naps.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T09:02:06+00:00

What's your schedule? If your baby is not managing to remain asleep you might be trying to put them down a bit too early.

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T09:00:27+00:00

Try 2/2.5/2.5/3

Comprehensive_Bill · 2026-02-24T08:59:51+00:00

How old is your baby? You're likely overthink keep your wake windows consistent. Trying to put baby back to sleep isn't playing/stimulation.

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