SHOULD I SLEEP TRAIN NAPS THE SAME TIME AS NIGHTS?
I often get asked if people can tackle nighttime sleep training first and then naps. The answer is: you should NOT approach them separately.
3 REASONS WHY SLEEP TRAINING NAPS AND NIGHTTIME AT THE SAME TIME SO IMPORTANT:
If you help your child to fall asleep during the day by rocking, holding, feeding, etc. then it will send very inconsistent messages to your little one. If you are doing the work for your baby or toddler at nap time, but not nighttime, it will be very confusing to them!
The inconsistencies can make it much more difficult for children to consistently put themselves to sleep at bedtime and for any night wakings
In order for your child’s sleep to really come together and for them to learn how to fall asleep independently, they need to learn how to fall asleep by themselves for all sleep
WHEN I BEGIN SLEEP TRAINING, SHOULD I START DURING THE FIRST NAP OR AT NIGHTTIME?
You will want to start sleep training at night, followed by naps the next day. The reason for this is because at nighttime babies & toddlers have higher levels of melatonin being produced (making it easier for them!) and they will get more practice at night (~12 hours) vs. daytime (2-4 hours). Naps typically take longer to come together because of the lower levels of melatonin and because it is the lightest stage of sleep and most alert time of day.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?
Nighttime sleep can improve within 2-4 nights, whereas naps can take up to 2 weeks to see true improvement. If you are 100% consistent with your method and getting your little one down for naps and bedtime at the optimal time each day & night, things will come together!