Do Contact Naps Before 12 Weeks Start Bad Habits?

As a refresher, contact naps refer to the practice of a baby falling asleep while in physical contact with a caregiver, typically by being held, rocked, or even just being in the same room. This can involve the baby sleeping on the chest, arms, or lap of the caregiver, or even just being close enough to feel the warmth and comfort of their presence. In this blog we are doing a deep dive into contact napping to provide a full perspective for parents.

The answer to the initial question, “Do contact naps before 12 weeks start bad habits?”: Generally speaking, no. We use contact naps (see our previous blog about this) often to help ensure that the baby is getting appropriate daytime sleep and isn’t overtired. However, if your baby 100% relies on contact napping and is not able to sleep on their own independently at all, this is a definite indicator that there are needs not fully being addressed, especially if they are nearing the 12 week mark. 

One question to explore is: Do you have a velcro baby? Velcro babies are babies who will only sleep on you, with you, or next to you. When you try to put them down, they immediately wake. Velcro babies generally want to be attached to you all day when awake as well. So, depending on your baby and their needs and temperament, you may have to assess this question for yourself. 

Some things to consider are:

• Newborns should be getting naps that last between 30 minutes and 2 hours each day.
• Newborns will let you know when they need food and will mostly sleep on their own accord, although they typically follow a 2.5-3 hour cycle that coincides with their feeding needs. Depending on the length of your baby’s naps and whether or not they connect sleep cycles easily, your newborn from birth to 11 weeks will need 4-5 naps daily.
• If your baby can not be set down without crying, or if they cry multiple hours a day though they are fed, have clean clothes and diapers, etc, it could be an indicator of larger problems like tummy aches and/or reflux. You will want to consult with an expert to find relief for your little one (and you). You may find additional insight from our blog: Reflux, Colic and Witching Hours, Oh My!

There is no such thing as “spoiling” a newborn with contact. Contact naps make way for bonding time. What works for your family is what is most important. You just want to make sure the environment is a good and safe one for your baby, and you’ll want to assess your needs as well as the baby’s. 

Thank you for taking the time to read today’s post about getting your baby to sleep longer at night. Getting your baby to sleep can definitely be a process with varying challenges. If you have any questions about getting your baby to sleep, or your baby in general, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts in all things baby (we LOVE them) and sleep and would love to help!

About The Author: 💤Katie Bishop | The Early Weeks 💤

✅ Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant

✅ Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner

✅ Advanced Newborn Care Specialist

Katie has over 25 year experience working with children of all ages. As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Specialist, she has professionally supported families babies worldwide over the last 10 years. Her mission is to help the entire family unit get better sleep, utilizing a holistic approach that supports the baby or child’s natural biologic drive to sleep. She has personally served 200+ families and holds 16,000+ hours exclusively caring for infants & babies.

The content contained in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace the advice of any medical professional. It is based on our opinions and experience working with newborns and their families. Other’s opinions may vary. It does not represent the views of any affiliated organizations. The reader understands that the term “Babynurse” is often a word used to describe a newborn caregiver. However, unless otherwise disclosed, we are not licensed nurses in any state. By reading and/or utilizing any information or suggestions contained in this blog, the reader acknowledges that we are not medical professionals and agrees to and waives any claim, known or unknown, past, present or future. This blog may contain affiliate links.

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