Your child’s 6 month old nap schedule will depend on age and activity level. For example, a six-month-old can be awake for about 1.5-3 hours without a nap. However, the average baby does take two or three naps throughout the day, lasting between 45 minutes and two hours. Therefore, you should establish a three-snap schedule for your baby by the time they reach six months.
A six-month-old should have two naps daily, with a short nap in the afternoon. After this, prepare for bedtime with a bottle or nursing. By 7:00 p.m., your child should be ready for sleep. You can also try a light-weighted sack to help your baby relax. Lastly, try allowing your child to nurse once they wake up.
Your child is now more aware of their surroundings. To ensure a restful sleep, put your baby in a quiet, dark room at least sixty-seven degrees. In addition, you should encourage your baby to take a nap in their crib if you can use it to extend your child’s nap schedule. This way, they will be more consistent with their nap schedule.
It would help if you also kept in mind that your child’s nap schedule will vary daily, so stick to a consistent pattern. Try to keep a nap schedule that is flexible and dependable, as your baby will be happier, healthier, and less cranky during the day when they have a regular nap schedule. Also, a predictable nap schedule will help you all sleep better at night. So, follow the tips below to establish a nap schedule for your six-month-old baby.
Babies usually require three naps per day during the six-month stage. However, they may start to resist the third nap after six months. So, for the time being, early morning naps are essential until your baby is six months old. It will prevent your baby from being overtired at bedtime and her from being uneasy and cranky at night. You can also try a ten-minute power nap daily to stave off any overtiredness.
You should also avoid overscheduling your child for naps. Overscheduling will make it difficult to get your child to sleep and will only lead to stress. Instead, look for signs that your baby is tired, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or fussiness. If these signs persist, then it is time to adjust your schedule. This way, your baby can get the sleep that they need.
You can try implementing a nap coaching program if your child isn’t napping at the right times. It might help you understand your child’s cues and help them fall asleep. Your child is growing and experiencing growth spurts during this time, so you should stick to a nap schedule. A routine can also be soothing for your child. Swaddling them is another great way to induce sleep.