Why Your Baby Takes Short Naps (And What Actually Helps)
- Keri Robbins
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Hi everyone,
You may have noticed we missed last month’s newsletter—and I wanted to start by saying thank you for your patience. We’ve taken a little time to thoughtfully refresh our format so we can share more meaningful, practical support for you and your family.
We’ll be sharing more about the reason behind the pause in a separate update soon, but for now, we’re really glad to be back with you.
Lately at the nursery, we’ve been seeing a pattern—babies who are so close to longer naps… and parents who are understandably exhausted trying to get there.
If that’s you right now, you’re not doing anything wrong. Sleep can feel like a moving target in those early months.
Let’s talk about one small shift that can make a big difference.
🌿 This Month at Robbins Nest
Right now, we’re focusing on gently supporting independent sleep rhythms—even with our youngest infants.
One thing we’re seeing again and again: when babies are given just a little space (with support), they often surprise us with what they’re capable of. With a consistent routine and a familiar sleep environment, many begin to connect sleep cycles more smoothly over time.
This doesn’t mean formal sleep training—it’s simply about offering small, consistent opportunities for babies to begin settling on their own, while still feeling supported and secure.
💡 What this can look like at home:
Putting baby down drowsy but awake when possible
Pausing briefly before responding right away
Using the same calming cues each time (sound, lighting, routine)
These small, gentle shifts can make a meaningful difference over time.
💡 Parent Tip of the Month: Pause Before You Pick Up
If your baby wakes shortly after being put down…
Try this first:
Pause for 30–60 seconds
Watch for active sleep vs. true waking
Offer gentle reassurance (hand on chest, soft voice) before picking up
Why it works: Babies cycle through lighter sleep frequently. Jumping in too quickly can accidentally wake them fully.
This one shift alone can start to extend naps over time.
🧸 Make Life Easier: Our Go-To Sleep Supports
These are the items we find ourselves recommending to parents again and again:
A consistent sound machine (helps regulate sleep cycles)
A simple, breathable sleep sack (creates a sleep cue)
Blackout curtains (especially for daytime naps)
The key isn’t having everything—it’s creating consistency.
👉 I’ve linked our favorite, tried-and-true options here:
🧠 Development Spotlight: What’s Normal with Infant Sleep
In first few months:
Short naps are biologically normal (yes, even those 28 minute naps)
Frequent waking is expected
Sleep patterns are still developing
During this stage, babies are not yet capable of maintaining long, consolidated sleep. Their sleep cycles are shorter, and they spend more time in lighter stages of sleep—which is why they may wake easily or need support to fall back asleep.
You may notice naps lasting 20–45 minutes, unpredictable schedules, or periods where sleep suddenly feels harder again. This isn’t a step backward—it’s part of how their brains and bodies are growing.
Over time, with gentle support, babies begin to link sleep cycles, settle more easily, and develop more predictable rhythms.
What helps most isn’t perfection—it’s consistency and gentle repetition. Simple things like a familiar routine, a consistent sleep environment, and responding in similar ways each time help build a sense of security that supports better sleep over time.
💬 If You’re Struggling With Short Naps…
You’re not alone—this is one of the most common challenges we hear.
A few things that can help:
Watch wake windows (overtired = shorter naps)
Keep the sleep environment consistent
Focus on one nap at a time rather than the whole day
And most importantly: This phase does pass.
🤍 A Note for Our Toddler & Preschool Parents
If transitions have been feeling harder lately (leaving the house, ending playtime, etc.), you’re not imagining it.
Try this simple shift: Instead of saying “It’s time to go,” try:
👉 “Do you want to hop like a bunny or tiptoe to the car?”
Giving a choice within the boundary often reduces resistance instantly.
🪺 A Look Inside the Nursery
This month has brought both celebration and transition in the nursery.
We’re so happy to be celebrating baby M’s birthday—a meaningful milestone and a reminder of just how quickly these early days go by. Watching each child grow and develop is truly one of the greatest joys of what we do.
We’re also saying goodbye to baby H. These moments are always bittersweet. It’s been such a privilege to be part of their early journey, and we’re wishing their family all the best in this next chapter.
📅 Important Dates
April 1 & 2: Easter Picture Day
April 5: Easter Sunday
April 22: Earth Day
🌐 Want More Support?
If you’re looking for more guidance like this, or want to learn more about our program:
Visit us here: www.robbinsnestnursery.com
You can also submit an interest form or schedule a discovery call—we’d love to connect with you.
Talk soon,
Robbins Nest
*I occasionally share products that we use and recommend regularly at the nursery. Some of these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. Every recommendation is based on real experience and what we’ve found to be most helpful for families.
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