(and no, your baby doesn’t need to nap in the same place every time)
There’s a common belief that the ideal nap for a baby occurs in a crib, in a dark, quiet room, at the same time and place each day. Deviating from this—like allowing your baby to nap in a stroller or carrier—can sometimes feel like you’re doing something wrong.
However, babies aren’t designed to follow strict routines. They’re meant to be close to us, to adapt, and to grow within the flow of real life. In fact, motion naps are not only acceptable but can be incredibly beneficial.
Why Motion Naps Matter
When a baby naps in motion—whether in a carrier, stroller, or car—their brain continues to perform essential functions, such as consolidating memories and regulating emotions. Research has shown that rocking or movement during sleep can support deeper, more restorative sleep. A study published in Current Biology found that gentle rocking helps synchronize brain waves, promoting more stable sleep patterns .
Additionally, naps are crucial for memory consolidation and brain development. The hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, is still developing in infants, making frequent naps in any safe environment vital for learning and development .
The Myth of Nap “Consistency”
Sleep training culture often emphasizes the importance of consistency, suggesting that naps must always occur in the same place to prevent confusion. However, there’s no evidence to support this claim.
It’s perfectly normal for a baby to nap in different environments throughout the day. One nap might be in the crib, another in the carrier, and another in the car. This variety doesn’t create confusion; it fosters adaptability.
Babies don’t require perfectly controlled environments to sleep well. They need responsive care, the ability to feel safe and soothed, and enough flexibility to get the rest they need, even when life isn’t perfectly structured.
Flexibility Helps Everyone
Letting go of the idea that naps must follow strict rules can make daily life feel more manageable. You can leave the house, and your baby can rest when and where it works best. This approach allows you to meet both your baby’s needs and your own.
Motion naps aren’t something to avoid or feel guilty about. They’re developmentally appropriate, supportive of sleep, and often provide a peaceful part of the day for both you and your baby.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Mix It Up: Combining motion naps and crib naps can work well for many families.
- Keep it safe: Always supervise motion naps, make sure baby’s airway is exposed and follow relevant safety guidelines (like carseat naps should only occur when the carseat is in the car.)
- Observe Your Baby: Your baby’s cues are more important than the clock. If they sleep well on the go, that’s perfectly fine.
In Short
Motion naps are not a problem to fix; they’re a natural part of life with a baby. By releasing the pressure to do everything “just right,” naps can become less stressful and more restful for everyone involved.
References:
- Bayer, L., Constantinescu, I., Perrig, S., Vienne, J., Vidal, P. P., Mühlethaler, M., & Schwartz, S. (2011). Rocking synchronizes brain waves during a short nap. Current Biology, 21(12), R461-R462.
- Seehagen, S., Konrad, C., Herbert, J. S., & Schneider, S. (2015). Timely sleep facilitates declarative memory consolidation in infants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(5), 1625-1629.
