I would say around 60% of babies are 30 min nappers.

So, why is this so common?

Tools are being used to get baby to sleep. These are feeding, rocking and contact settling. if you are using tools to get baby to sleep, they will need those same tools to resettle when they wake form their sleep cycles. The way you help you baby to fall asleep will need to be repeated.

Overtired or under-tired! Know your baby’s wake windows for their age. It’s also very important to recognise your baby’s sleep cues early. if they take a long time to fall asleep then they may not have been ready.

Responding too early! When you hear your baby wake or you are watching a monitor, wait until you are needed. Babies can wake or rouse lots when transitioning between sleep cycles. If you respond too quickly you may interfere with self-resettling.

No nap routine! It is very important to create a consistent nap routine.

Sleep Environment! Make sure your baby’s sleep environment creates confidence and security plus is comfortable. Using blackout blinds may help some babies but not others. Are you using the same sleep attire such as a swaddle or sleep sac? Can your baby lie awake in their bed for a few minutes without crying? Do you use the same room for naps and for nighttime sleep?

These are things to think about.

Babies should be able to sleep for longer than 30 mins especially as they get older and they develop more. They will use more energy and need longer naps to reset.

Need help with a 30 min napper? Get in touch and let’s chat

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Why is my baby only sleeping for 30 min?

Cat napping is very common, especially for babies aged between 8 weeks and 6 months.

The number one reason why babies only sleep for 30 min or less is because they are not linking their sleep cycles and the reason why they are unable to link their sleep cycles is they may not have had the opportunity to do so.

Babies have two sleep cycles: REM and NONREM.

The first cycle of a baby’s sleep is called  REM sleep.

This is when your baby is starting to fall asleep and is in a light sleep for 20-30min.

In this time your baby will be grunting a lot, sucking on their hands, jerky movements of their arms and legs and eye movement is present.

This sleep is usually not a very restorative sleep and their little brains haven’t really had enough time to shut out stimulus and thoughts.

This is when babies often wake up for their startle reflex due to loud noises or movement.

As your baby is transitioning from this 20-30 min nap (REM sleep) most babies will wake before going into their next cycle (NON-REM sleep).

NON-REM sleep is their restorative sleep in which they rest and their little brain is taking  time out to recharge and restore. They also do most of their growing and gaining weight in this second sleep cycle.

Babies often will  wake up after their first sleep cycle. The reason why many babies are unable to go back to sleep is because they haven’t been given an opportunity too.  Mum or dad have picked them up from their bed because they have woken up or maybe have been crying.

Helping your baby to resettle with confidence without being taken out of bed or staying close to their beds to be able to put them back is your best option.

Resettling will help your baby eventually learn how to link their sleep cycles.

So next time you hear your baby wake after their 30min nap, wait a little and see if they will go back to sleep.

(Check out my blog _ How to resettle a crying baby.)

Yes, even when they are crying a little.

Allow them time to resettle on their own or with a little guidance.

If they do cry and you think they are unlikely to go back to sleep then pick them up, stay in their room or near their bed. Give them a cuddle to allow them to settle and place them back into their cosy bed to finish their nap once drowsy or asleep.

They may need to be shushed,  use white noise plus some reassurance with rocking or patting to help them go back to sleep.

Repeat as necessary up to 4-5 times because it sometimes takes that long to help them resettle. Remember if you do this at every nap you will soon have a longer napper who feels comfortable falling back to sleep once woken from their first cycle.

You can do this from 3-4 weeks of age once feeding has been established.