Peace is a napping baby.

Peace may be a clean and happy baby, or a sleeping baby. In between there may be stages of fussy, messy, drool-ly, crying, gassy, teething, and other more delightful fun - and the amazing thing is how much a parent can miss each stage of growth once the child is grown. Infancy, toddler two's, childhood and teens, all have their joys and woes. For a busy caregiver or parent a napping baby can be a few free moments to get caught up on housework or schoolwork or other tasks, during early stages of infancy though it may also be a good time to take a refreshing nap along with baby.

Infants sleep on average sixteen hours each day, leaving eight hours for feedings, changing diapers, and the other delightful fun - babbling and baby smiles for example. However the younger the infant is the more likely the hours of sleep and wake will be spaced out around the clock. The tiny infant needs to eat frequently and sleep in between feedings. We digest and use nutrients for growth more during our sleep than during active awake hours of the day. So if baby is up for a few hours a couple times per night it can be nice to have help with one of the feedings or to take a nap along with baby at some point during the day.

Infants like to be near people and it can help their body learn to better regulate their heart rate to be near other people, the heart rate pattern is mimicked by the infant. Babies also like to be rocked side to side because they were used to a rocking motion whenever mom walked around during baby's fetal development. Rocking chairs and baby rockers are designed to give that soothing motion. During a busy day use of a baby front-pack or sling style carrier can sooth baby to sleep and aid their digestion by gently stimulating the movement of food through the digestive tract. For tips for soothing a crying infant see: Is Peace a Crying Baby?. For more about sleep in general for all age groups see, Peace is a Good Night's Sleep.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.