As a working parent, you've probably been frustrated picking up your exhausted baby from daycare, only to find out they barely napped during the day. The struggle is real! But fear not, you're not alone -- many parents face the same challenge. We understand how crucial quality naps are while children are away from home, and we are here to tell you that daycare naps CAN HAPPEN. Follow these 8 tips to have a productive conversation with your daycare provider(s) to help make daycare naps your little one's reality.

1. Make the Daycare Environment Familiar

Daycare can be an overwhelming new experience for your little one. Help them adjust by gradually introducing them to the daycare setting, when possible. Plan visits before their official start date, allowing your baby to explore the surroundings, meet caregivers, and get comfortable with the new faces and sounds. This gentle introduction can ease their anxiety and create a sense of familiarity, making naptime more relaxing.

2. Communicate with Your Child’s Caregiver

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Effective communication with daycare staff is vital in improving your baby's nap experience. Share important details about your baby's sleep preferences, recent sleep patterns, or any changes in their routine. Collaborate with the caregivers to understand their naptime practices and discuss potential adjustments. A transparent and open dialogue ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards the common goal of providing a conducive sleep environment for your little one. Sticking to the same plan between all caregivers will make it easier for your baby or toddler to fall asleep with less protest when put down for naps in a consistent way.

3. Establish a Consistent Daycare Nap Routine

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Consistency is key when it comes to helping your baby nap better at daycare. Work with the daycare providers to establish a nap routine that aligns with your baby's natural sleep patterns. Share information about their typical nap times, sleep cues, and preferred soothing techniques. Having a consistent routine at daycare that mimics their home environment helps to promote a sense of security and makes it easier for your baby to settle down for naps.

4. Mimic the Home Environment with Comfort Items

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Babies find solace in familiar objects, so consider sending comforting items from home to daycare. This could include a sleep sack or a favorite blanket/a small “lovie” item (when age appropriate per American Academy of Pediatrics, 18 months and above). Additionally, providing a white noise machine can help create a similar sleep space to their room at home. These items act as a source of comfort and familiarity, helping your baby feel more secure and relaxed during naptime.

5. Discuss Sleep Props (Sleep Associations)

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Tell the caregiver that your little one is learning how to sleep independently and has eliminated sleep props. Most daycare providers are happy to make arrangements, especially if it means a happy, sleeping child. Remind them they their consistency is important to your at-home sleep success.

6. Be as Consistent as Possible with Daycare Naps

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See if your child can be placed in the same crib every time, preferably in a dark room and away from the play area if possible. The crib/pack and play should only be associated with sleep, so ask that it not be used for playtime.

7. Manage Car Naps

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Sometimes, despite our best efforts, your child might need a nap on the way home. If nap length decreases at daycare, a catnap in the car or stroller can be used temporarily to take the edge off before bedtime. This should be a short nap of 20-30 minutes to help your baby push through until bedtime without becoming overtired. Be sure to keep an eye on their wake windows to set them up for nighttime sleep success. If you aren't quite sure how long to keep your baby up between naps or before bed, this free wake window blog is sure to help!

8. Talk About Crying

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Let the caregiver know that you are okay with some crying (protesting) while your child falls asleep. Give them a timeframe and let them know how you want them to intervene and/or provide comfort if your little one continues to protest beyond that time.

Bonus Tip! EAT-PLAY-SLEEP Routine

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Ask your daycare provider to follow the EAT-PLAY-SLEEP routine so your little one doesn’t get drowsy on their bottle. This helps with consolidating feeds so your baby gets a full feed each time, not just a snack. It also helps break the association that eating and sleeping go together – they should be two separate events!

Helping your baby sleep better at daycare can feel like a challenging task. Remember, it may take some time for your baby to adjust to the new surroundings and routine, so be patient and persistent. Sometimes, making suggestions to your childcare provider can feel like you’re imposing, but remember you are your child’s parent and you get to choose what you think is best for them. And most caregivers are happy to help make both their own day and your baby’s day easier! When naps are reliable and predictable, everyone gets to relax!