When it comes to parenting advice about your little angel’s sleep, there isn’t a shortage of what you should and shouldn’t do, am I right?

You shouldn’t wake a sleeping baby. Like, ever!
You shouldn’t be feeding your baby to sleep! That’s going to create bad habits.
You should probably stop letting your baby sleep with you now or they’ll be sleeping with you forever!

Between your in-laws’ outdated advice and the endless stream of online “experts,” it’s no wonder new parents are feeling lost. Let’s cut through the noise, shall we?

Here are a few truth bombs for you:

Despite what others tell you, you cannot “spoil” a baby. Yep, you heard that right. And if anyone tells you otherwise, feel free to roll your eyes.
Contact napping? Totally fine—sometimes even necessary for your sanity and your baby’s happiness.
Stick around and I'll break down why you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff when it comes to contact naps, and I’ll share a few things to consider if you're worried about your child’s sleep struggles.

When contact napping is not only good, but necessary…

Let’s face it – sometimes, contact napping is the only way to make it through the day. I’m a firm believer that nothing you do when it comes to your child’s sleep is wrong, so let’s get that out of the way now. The only rule is that you do what works for you and, when it’s no longer working, you make a change.

So while you may hear from some that contact napping is “bad,” I call B.S. In fact, there are times when contact napping is necessary.

If You’re Missing Baby

Let’s get one thing straight: you’re the mom, and you make the rules. If you miss those precious snuggles, go ahead and indulge in some contact napping. Babies grow faster than you can say "where did the time go?" and those moments of holding them close are fleeting. If you’re yearning for that closeness or just need a little extra bonding time, don’t hesitate. Contact napping isn’t just for the baby’s benefit—it’s for yours too. It’s perfectly fine to nap together just because you want to.

Newborn Phase

Ah, the newborn phase—the time when your tiny human is adjusting to life outside the womb. During this period, contact napping is practically a necessity. Newborns crave the warmth, comfort, and security of being held close, reminiscent of their time in utero. This is when your baby is still learning about the world, and your touch helps regulate their body temperature, heartbeat, and breathing. So, kick up your feet, cue Netflix, and settle in for a good snooze sesh.

Sickness

When your little one is under the weather, all bets are off. Sickness can make a baby extra clingy, and rightly so—they want the comfort and reassurance that only you can provide. During these times, contact napping is more than just okay; it’s a comforting necessity. Holding your baby close helps them feel safe and can actually promote faster recovery by reducing stress. Plus, it gives you a chance to monitor their symptoms closely. So, go ahead and cuddle up; it’s the best medicine for both of you.

Teething

Teething is no picnic for babies—or parents. Those pesky teeth pushing through tender gums can turn even the happiest baby into a fussy mess. This is when contact napping becomes your secret weapon. The close contact and gentle pressure of being held can provide soothing relief for your teething baby. It’s a challenging phase, but allowing them to nap on you can ease their discomfort and make the process a little more bearable for everyone. Embrace the snuggles and help your little one through this tough time.

Signs contact napping your baby may be reinforcing wakings

While contact napping can be your best friend in many situations, it’s important to recognize when it might be causing more harm than good. Yes, even the sweetest snuggles can sometimes lead to sleep challenges. Here are some telltale signs that contact napping might be reinforcing your baby’s wakings and how to handle these hiccups with a bit of savvy parenting.

Unable to Sleep Without Mom or Caretaker

If your baby has decided they absolutely cannot sleep without you, it’s a red flag for dependency. Sure, it’s flattering to be the ultimate sleep aid, but it’s crucial for your little one to learn to sleep on their own. If every nap and bedtime turns into a drama unless you’re holding them, it’s time to start transitioning them to independent sleep. Don’t worry—you can still enjoy those sweet moments, just with a bit more balance. Gradually introducing solo sleep will help your baby gain confidence in nodding off without needing a full-on cuddle fest every time.

Frequent Night Wakings

Waking up multiple times a night because your baby insists on being held? If this sounds familiar, those sleep associations from contact napping might be the culprit. While it’s lovely to be needed, your baby waking up every hour isn’t doing anyone any favors. Gently encouraging your baby to self-soothe can lead to longer, uninterrupted sleep. Introduce a consistent bedtime routine and offer comfort without becoming a 24/7 human pacifier. Trust me, your baby—and your sleep-deprived self—will thank you.

Short, Cat Naps When Sleeping Independently

If your baby’s independent naps are shorter than a sitcom episode, it’s a sign they might not have mastered the art of sleeping through their cycles without you. While contact napping gets them longer naps, it’s also a bit of a cheat code. Helping your baby learn to extend their sleep on their own is the ultimate parenting win. Start by putting them down drowsy but awake for one nap a day, and slowly increase the frequency. Soon enough, those cat naps will turn into proper sleep sessions, and you’ll get a much-needed break.

Lots of Crying at Put Down

If putting your baby down for sleep immediately provokes more waterworks than Niagra Falls, it’s likely because they’ve become a bit too attached to contact napping. Babies don’t love change (who does?), but a gradual approach to independent sleep can make a world of difference. Begin with shorter periods of solo sleep and extend them as your baby adjusts. Create a soothing bedtime routine and use comforting methods like gentle patting or white noise to make the transition smoother. Less crying, more sleeping—that’s the goal.

The best nap to contact nap

When it comes to choosing the best nap for a little extra cuddle time, the last nap of the day is your golden opportunity. This nap is typically the shortest and often the trickiest for your baby to get through because the sleep pressure from earlier naps starts to wear off.

You’re not looking for a long, drawn-out nap session here—just a quick 20-30 minutes to tide them over until bedtime. This nap is perfect for some snuggle time without the risk of being “nap trapped” for hours. It’s a win-win: your baby gets the comfort they crave, and you get to enjoy some sweet, fleeting moments without committing your entire afternoon to holding a sleeping baby. So, go ahead and embrace the last nap of the day for some extra bonding time, knowing that bedtime is just around the corner.

Feeling nap trapped?

If you’re looking to gently and gradually transition from contact napping 24/7 to more independent sleep, then I’m your gal!

Remember, when it comes to you and your child’s sleep, there’s no “good” or “bad”—only what’s working for you both and what is not or no longer serving you. If your current situation feels unsustainable, super frustrating, or is negatively impacting your mental health, it’s probably time to get some baby sleep support.

I really don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why my free Baby & Toddler Sleep Intro Consultation is a great way to start improving your family’s sleep situation. Check it out here so we can really dive in and tailor a plan that works for you and your little one: FREE baby sleep intro consult

Let’s make those sleep challenges a thing of the past!

Contact Naps, Nap Traps, & Baby Sleep Tips