It happens to us all. The dreaded accidental car nap. When you look in your rearview mirror and notice those little eyes drooping. Try as you might to keep them from closing, the urge to sleep is simply too overwhelming and off they go. The gentle movement, combined with the snug and supportive car seat makes for a lovely calm and relaxed state. Perfect for a snooze. (DISCLAIMER: for most babies - there are definitely some who absolutely HATE the car seat!)
But how can you prevent this from completely derailing the rest of the day and possibly night too? Don’t worry, there are things you can do…
The first thing to remember is that, even if the nap lasts for only a few minutes, your child will have immediately reduced the amount of sleep pressure they have built up. The next steps depend upon how long your child falls asleep for.
If the car nap lasts for less than 15 minutes you should DELAY the next nap by approximately 15 - 45 minutes, depending upon the age of your little one. You need to rebuild that sleep pressure to ensure they are sufficiently tired before you attempt putting them down.
If the car nap lasts for more than 15 minutes it will become THE NAP. This is where it can become a little frustrating if you are busy. In this scenario you have the choice:
Risk the transfer from car seat to cot or other appropriate sleep space in the house.
Prolong the nap by staying in the car and driving around.
You will ideally want the nap to last for a minimum of an hour. Whichever you choose, it is likely to put your schedule off a little, but shouldn’t be too painful.
If your child falls asleep in the car close to bedtime, you will want to delay bedtime until they have built sufficient sleep pressure. Don’t stress - just take it for what it is and enjoy a little extra time playing with your child. Tomorrow is another day!
What strategies can you use to prevent the car nap happening in the first place?
It won't always be possible to prevent an accidental car nap, but there are ways you can reduce the chances of them happening.
Do not give your child their dummy or other comforter while in the car.
Try to avoid being the car less than an hour before your child’s nap is due.
Open a window to allow fresh air to circulate.
Ideally have someone sit in the back of the car with your child to keep them awake.
Older children can be given sticker books or other safe activities to entertain them.
If you spot the signs that your child is about to fall asleep and are desperate for them not to, consider pulling over for a few minutes, if it is safe to do so.
At the end of the day, try not to get too worked up over an accidental nap, be it in the car, pram or anywhere else. These things happen and sometimes the only thing you can really do is roll with it!
Safety First!
Always supervise your child whilst asleep in the car and take regular breaks. Car seats have been designed to provide a ‘safer’ sleep option while installed but become unsafe once removed, so do not allow your child to sleep in their car seat once it is no longer in the car. The safest place for your child to sleep is in a clear cot, on a firm, flat, waterproof mattress.
If you are struggling to keep naps on track or are experiencing any other sleep challenge and would like more personalised advice, please book a FREE consultation with me. Just click the link below.
Comments