The sweet scent of your baby’s head, the gentle rise and fall of their chest against yours – contact napping, or sleeping in close physical contact with your baby, is a practice that transcends the realm of mere convenience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of contact napping, shedding light on how this simple act can foster a deeper connection between you and your little one.
Promotes Secure Attachment:
Contact napping is a powerful tool for building a secure attachment between parent and baby. The physical closeness provides a sense of safety and security, laying the foundation for a strong emotional bond. Even though your baby is asleep, they subconsciously know that you are holding them. Being in your arms is their favorite place.
Stimulates Emotional Development:
The warmth and comfort of your embrace during contact napping create a nurturing environment that stimulates your baby’s emotional development. Feeling your heartbeat and breath creates a calming effect, promoting emotional regulation and resilience.
Enhances Breastfeeding relationship:
For breastfeeding mothers, contact napping makes nursing more convenient. The proximity encourages frequent and responsive nursing, strengthening the breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. With a little practice, mothers will be able to breastfeed while on the go, with
Improves Sleep Quality:
Contact napping can lead to better sleep for both you and your baby. The physical contact and reassurance provided during naps can contribute to longer and more restful sleep periods, helping to regulate your baby’s sleep patterns. You’ll see evidence of this right away when your baby can sleep on you for an hour but only 20 minutes when you put them down in a crib.
Aids in Colic and Digestive Comfort:
The upright position during contact napping can help alleviate symptoms of colic and aid in digestion. The gentle pressure on the baby’s tummy can provide relief, reducing discomfort and promoting a sense of well-being.
Facilitates Responsive Parenting:
Contact napping allows for immediate responsiveness to your baby’s needs. Whether it’s a quick comforting touch, a soothing sway, or a gentle lullaby, being in close physical contact enables you to respond promptly, fostering a sense of security.
Strengthens Physical Development:
The physical closeness during contact napping supports the development of your baby’s muscles and coordination. The gentle movements and skin-to-skin contact contribute to healthy physical development.
Promotes Relaxation and Stress Reduction:
For both you and your baby, contact napping can be a source of relaxation and stress reduction. The physical contact triggers the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” promoting feelings of calmness and connection. There is nothing more peaceful than witnessing a sleeping baby, especially when they are sleeping on you!
Use the right gear
In order to contact nap comfortably, you will need the right gear. There are various types of baby carriers, with more or less support for you and the baby, depending on their age and weight.
Carriers for infants:
The BabyBjorn Mini is perfect for newborns up to 12 months.
The Organic Baby K’tan is a pre-wrapped baby carrier that slips on easily and keeps your baby snug.
The Boba wrap takes a little bit more effort to learn how to wrap, but is easy to tie on once you know how. This wrap carrier snuggles your baby comfortably.
Carriers for babies 12 months and older:
The Lillebaby carrier is has incredible lumbar support and plush shoulder padding, making contact naps comfortable for heavier babies.
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is also a popular baby carrier with lumbar support for heavier babies and toddlers.
Embrace your instincts
Contact napping is more than just a nap; it’s an intimate and profound experience that nourishes the bond between parent and baby. In a world that often moves too quickly, taking the time to embrace the benefits of contact napping can create lasting memories and lay the groundwork for a secure and emotionally connected parent-child relationship. So, let go of the rush, snuggle up, and enjoy the precious moments of contact napping with your little one.