Why Naps Are More Important Than Classes.

I know it’s a controversial opinion, but if you’re looking to improve your little one’s sleep, you’ll likely need to adjust your daily routine.

Yes, getting out of the house with a baby, toddler, or child is important, and I love attending classes as much as anyone. They offer great opportunities for socialisation, adult interaction, and teaching your child new skills, all of which your little one enjoys.

However, for babies and young children to sleep well, they need a consistent daytime routine with set nap times that are adhered to daily. While this might seem restrictive, it’s a sure-fire way to ensure your child sleeps soundly both during naps and overnight.

Why is this important?

Babies, children, and adults thrive on predictability. A consistent routine is calming and helps your child soothe themselves, as they know what’s happening and when. Routines should align with your child’s natural sleep/wake cycles. Missing these windows can disrupt their day, leading to overtired and agitated children who struggle to sleep because of increased cortisol (the stress hormone) in their bodies.

So, when should I do classes?

When choosing classes, my advice is always to schedule them around your child’s nap times rather than adjusting naps to fit class schedules. Your little one will enjoy classes more if they are well-rested.

While many classes are unfortunately timed during naps, try to prioritise your child’s sleep. If the class schedule conflicts with nap time and there are no alternative times available, it might be better to skip it. Otherwise, your baby might end up falling asleep mid-class, making the experience feel like a waste of time and money.

If it’s just one class that overlaps with nap time once a week, don’t worry—there are ways to work around it. But if you’re busy 3 or 4 times a week during nap time, I recommend adjusting your schedule to better suit your baby’s needs.

I understand this may seem restrictive, but it doesn’t have to be. A routine means knowing when your little one will nap during the day, ensuring they sleep through the night, and giving you time to enjoy a hot cup of tea and some well-deserved time to yourself. Remember, the routine should work for you too, but always prioritise your child’s sleep, as it is essential for their growth and development.

For any questions regarding your little one's sleep, get in touch at laura@sleepteacher.co.uk