One question parents often ask me is, “Am I creating bad habits by letting baby sleep on me for naps?” Let’s explore why this isn’t a bad habit, why having a well-rested little one is the only goal, and alternative places baby can nap that are safe too. 

No, you’re not creating bad habits

Little ones sleep better and longer on us with assistance in the first few months of life. Although we are trying to encourage bassinet and crib naps, it can feel a bit dicey at first. Babies may lie down in the bassinet or crib but then wake up in 15-20 minutes. It certainly doesn’t seem like they had a restorative nap, because they really haven’t. It’s just that baby isn’t yet used to being in their own sleep space during the day. 

Typically, we have to create the perfect conditions for a nap to happen at home and independently. We do this by making sure we have all the essential elements in place–a dark, cool, quiet, calm room, for example. But even with a perfectly sleep-conducive environment, bassinet and crib naps can still feel really hard.

So rather than creating a bad habit by assisting your baby to sleep by having them nap on you during the day, you’re actually helping them to get the rest they need. 

Why is a well-rested baby the goal?

Helping baby to sleep well and feel rested during the day sets you both up to get the best possible sleep at night and allows you to focus on creating independent sleep skills at bedtime. Once you have a successful nighttime routine worked out, then you can go back to focusing on developing those independent sleep skills during the day. Focus on one small step at a time!

Does it matter where baby naps?

It doesn’t really matter where your baby is napping as long as you follow the age–appropriate wake windows outlined in my Better Sleep Bundle for Babies, and baby sleeps in a safe space such as:

• In arms (periodically checking their neck position and breathing)
• In a supportive carrier that is the proper design for their height and weight*
• In a stroller or travel system*
• In a car seat (properly installed in a travel system or car seat base)*

*Keeping in mind that babies should not be spending many continuous hours of sleep in these spaces. It’s acceptable for them to sleep in these spaces if they are safe and they happen to fall asleep “on the go”. But babies should be removed from these spaces at regular intervals for feedings, diaper changes and floor time.

So put your mind at ease: contrary to popular belief, you will not ‘spoil’ your baby by allowing them to sleep in your arms. You can help them sleep for naps and not at nighttime or give help for some naps and not others. I assure you, these are not bad habits and baby will not become confused! Providing comfortable conditions for your little one to sleep, especially in the beginning, will allow them to get the restorative rest they need.