As sleep consultants, a common question we receive from parents is, “How do I transition my baby from contact naps to crib naps?” While contact naps can be a beautiful bonding experience, there comes a time when parents may want more flexibility, and babies benefit from learning independent sleep skills. The good news is that with a thoughtful approach, you can successfully transition your little one to crib naps while fostering a sense of security and confidence in their ability to sleep independently. Here’s how:

Step 1: Establish a Consistent Nap Routine

Babies thrive on predictability, so having a pre-nap routine can signal that it’s time for sleep. Keep the routine short and simple—about 5 to 10 minutes—including activities like dimming the lights, singing a lullaby, reading a short book, or giving a gentle cuddle. This routine should closely resemble the bedtime routine, helping your baby recognize the cues for sleep.

Step 2: Choose the Right Wake Window

Ensure your baby is going down for their nap at an appropriate wake window based on their age. Overtiredness can lead to difficulty settling, while an undertired baby may resist the crib. Guidance on finding the right wake window can be found here.

Step 3: Start with One Crib Nap Per Day

Instead of making an abrupt switch, ease into crib naps by starting with one per day while still allowing contact naps for the others. The first nap of the day is usually the easiest to transition since sleep pressure is high.

Step 4: Use Methods to Encourage Independence

Introduce your baby to the crib gradually. Begin by placing them in the crib, allowing them to practice settling independently. If your baby protests, you can use methods such as shushing, patting, or offering verbal reassurance without picking them up immediately.

Step 5: Practice the Pause

If your baby stirs or fusses when placed in the crib, give them a moment to see if they can self-settle before intervening. Often, babies make noises during light sleep transitions but don’t necessarily need assistance.

Step 6: Provide Comfort While Allowing Space

If your baby struggles with the transition, consider a gradual withdrawal approach. This means staying close and offering comfort in a way that reassures them while encouraging self-soothing skills. Over time, reduce your involvement so your baby gains confidence in falling asleep independently.

Step 7: Be Patient and Stay Consistent

Like any new skill, transitioning from contact naps to crib naps takes practice and consistency. Some babies adjust quickly, while others may take more time. Stick to the plan, keep the environment conducive to sleep (dark room, white noise, comfortable temperature), and celebrate small wins along the way.

If your baby is having a really hard time transitioning to the crib for naps, we suggest starting with nighttime sleep first to help them develop the skill which can become the building block for independent naps.

"Allie was our consultant and she was very helpful and encouraging. Our baby slept pretty well at night, but he needed a lot of assistance for naps. But as Allie said, his naps fell into place once he started sleeping through the night more consistently. Allie was very responsive to all questions I had. It felt nice knowing I had someone I can ask any (and many) questions to." -- 5 Star Google review from Davielle

Final Thoughts

Helping your baby transition from contact naps to crib naps is a gradual process, but with consistency, patience, and the right approach, your little one will learn the skills needed for independent sleep. Every baby is different, so trust the process and follow your baby’s cues. Soon enough, your child will be enjoying restful, independent naps in their crib, giving you the flexibility and confidence to support their sleep journey.

Are you navigating this transition and need extra support? Check out our comprehensive guide, A Step-by-Step Guide to Ending Crap Naps, for expert tips and solutions!

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