What are the Causes of Babies Not Sleeping During the Day?

Napping during the daytime is important in terms of meeting the sleep needs of the baby who does not sleep enough at night. Babies need less sleep over time, but it's important to supplement their nighttime nap with naps for optimal development. While it can be difficult to implement a sleep plan for a baby who doesn't sleep during the day, a little effort is well worth it.

How Much Do Babies Need Siesta (After-dinner nap)?

The length of nap time babies need varies according to their age:

• 0–5-month-old babies 1-5 times a day
• 6-11 months babies 1-4 times a day
• 12-35 months old babies should take a nap 0-2 times a day.
• The newborn's sleep time may be short, and because he is fed frequently, the sleep time is usually about an hour. By three months, babies tend to sleep longer at night and take fewer naps during the day. As your baby gets older, the number of sleeps per day decreases. For up to four months, each nap can last from 30 minutes to two hours. A six-month-old baby can nap for a total of up to six hours a day. The duration of each nap and total sleep time can vary among babies of the same age. By the time your baby starts walking at one year old, total nap times can drop to as little as 4.5 hours a day. In two years, total sleep time may decrease to three hours a day.

What are the Causes of Babies Not Sleeping?

Babies may refuse to nap for a variety of reasons, from simple environmental disturbances to physical discomfort or anxiety. Various reasons why a baby may not sleep:

• May not be tired enough: Tired babies fall asleep easily. Stimulating activities and extra nights of sleep before a nap can prevent babies from feeling tired, making it harder for them to take a nap.
• May be very tired: Overtired babies can often be hyperactive and cranky, making it difficult for a parent to calm them down. Regular bedtime and bedtime routines can prevent excessive fatigue in babies.
• Environmental disturbances in the room: Noises, bright lights, the presence of others in the room, and other distractions can prevent a baby from falling asleep during their afternoon nap.
• Hunger: Hungry babies may cry for food and not be able to sleep. In such cases, they should be prepared for sleep immediately after feeding.
• Teething and other health problems: Babies may refuse to nap due to teething pain and other physical ailments. When sick, babies may appear fussy and unable to fall asleep.
• Separation anxiety: Some babies, especially around six months old, may develop sleep problems due to separation anxiety. Fear of being away from parents can cause them to wake up with the inability to fall asleep again.
• Sleep associations: Babies who are used to taking a nap in the baby seat, swing, or stroller may crave it, and this habit may make it difficult for them to sleep elsewhere.