Let's talk about contact naps - those precious moments when your little one drifts off to sleep in your arms. While these naps are absolutely cuddly (and sometimes the only way to get your baby to sleep!), there might come a time when you're ready to transition to crib naps. Whether you're heading back to work, need to care for other children, or simply want more freedom during nap time, we’re here to guide you through this journey.

What Are Contact Naps?

Ever wonder why your baby sleeps so peacefully in your arms? Your baby spent nine months in the womb, surrounded by your heartbeat, movement, and warmth. Contact naps recreate that soothing environment, triggering their natural calming response. Your presence releases oxytocin (the "love hormone") in both you and your baby, promoting deeper sleep ^[1].

While contact naps are completely natural and beneficial for development, there's also nothing wrong with wanting to transition to crib naps. Teaching independent sleep skills can be a gift for your little one.

Setting the Sleep Environment Up for Success

Before we dive into transition methods, let's create a healthy, comforting sleep environment.

• Temperature between 68 - 72°F (20 - 22°C) ^[2]
• White noise machine to mask household sounds
• Blackout curtains for consistent darkness
• Comfortable, safe sleepwear

Create a consistent routine that signals "nap time" to your baby's brain. This might include:

• A quick diaper change
• Sleep sack or swaddle (if age-appropriate: remember the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends transitioning away from swaddling between 2 - 4 months of age ^[1], or as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling - whichever comes first)
• A short lullaby
• Gentle swaying or rocking
• Key phrases like "It's time for sleep!"

Step-by-Step Transition Methods

The Gradual Approach

Start with just one nap a day (usually the first one, when sleep pressure is highest). Stay beside the crib, offering gentle pats and reassurance. Gradually reduce your physical contact over days or weeks.

The Chair Method

This may be ideal for parents who want to maintain presence while encouraging independence:

• Start by sitting right next to the crib
• Each day, move your chair slightly further away
• Eventually, you'll reach the doorway and then outside
• Progress isn't linear, and that's okay!

The Transfer to Mattress Technique

You can consider this technique if you are still letting your baby fall asleep on you:

• Let baby fall asleep with contact
• Wait for deep sleep (usually 15 - 20 minutes)
• Transfer ever-so-gently to the crib - letting the lower half of their body touch the mattress first, then gently lay their head on the mattress last. This will help to try to avoid them feeling like they are falling.
• Keep one hand on them for a few minutes
• Slowly withdraw contact

Troubleshooting Common Contact Naps to Crib Challenges

Let's be real - transitions aren't always smooth sailing. Here's what to do when:

Baby Wakes During Transfer: Don't rush to pick them up immediately. Try gentle patting or shushing first. Sometimes, they'll settle back to sleep with minimal intervention.

Short Naps: This is super common during transitions! Start with extending one nap at a time. Remember, any crib sleep is progress.

Separation Anxiety: This is developmentally normal and peaks around 8 - 10 months. Maintain consistent response patterns and consider using a lovey (if age-appropriate).

Transitioning to Crib From Contact Naps Tips

• Have your baby play in the crib during daytime play! This will help familiarize your baby with the space.
• Aim for age-appropriate wake windows and expectations. Most babies won’t be able to fall asleep on their own until about 4 months (and sometimes up to 6 months).
• Trust your instincts - you know your baby best!
• Practice! Give your baby opportunities to be able to fall asleep on their own.
• Take breaks if you or your little one is feeling overwhelmed.

Contact Naps to Crib FAQs

Q: How many contact naps should a newborn have?

A: Newborns typically need 4 - 5 naps per day, and it's completely natural and beneficial for many (or all) of these to be contact naps. Contact napping helps regulate baby's breathing, temperature, and stress hormones - it's nature's way of supporting development! There's no "should" about the number of contact naps - follow your baby's cues and your family's needs.

Q: How to get baby to nap in crib?

A: Start with a consistent pre-nap routine that signals "sleep time" to your little one. Try these science-backed steps:

• Make the room cave-dark and cool (68 - 72°F)
• Use white noise to mask sounds
• Start with the first nap of the day (when sleep pressure is highest)
• Practice the "pause and pat" - wait a moment before responding to small fusses
• Stay consistent but flexible

Q: When to put baby in the crib for naps?

A: Watch for those sleepy cues! Look for:

• Subtle yawns
• Eye rubbing
• Decreased activity
• Looking slightly "zoned out"

Q: Is it okay for my baby to fall asleep on me?

A: Contact naps are biologically normal and developmentally supportive. They boost bonding hormones, support emotional development, and can lead to longer, more restorative sleep. If contact naps work for your family, embrace them! If you need to transition away from them, that's perfectly okay too.

Q: When to start crib naps?

A: Here's the wonderfully liberating truth - there's no universal "right time!" Instead of focusing on age, look for readiness signs:

• Baby can fall asleep in different settings
• Shows some self-soothing abilities
• You feel ready for the transition
• Most babies start showing these signs between 3 - 6 months but remember - your baby's timeline is uniquely theirs.

Q: My baby wakes up the moment I put them in the crib. What am I doing wrong?

A: This is so common that it deserves a parent solidarity hug! Babies are super sensitive to temperature and position changes. Try these gentle solutions:

• Keep one hand on their chest for a few moments after transfer
• Transfer 15 - 20 minutes after they fall asleep (deep sleep phase)
• Use the "sushi roll" transfer - try to maintain their position as you lay them down

Conclusion

Remember these golden nuggets as you move forward:

• Your baby's sleep journey is uniquely theirs (and yours!). Whether you're transitioning at 4 months or 14 months, you haven't missed some magical window. The best time to start is when it feels right for your family - full stop.
• Contact naps aren't a "bad habit" to break - they're a biological norm that you're gently shifting from. You haven't done anything wrong by responding to your baby's natural needs. That secure attachment you've built will make this transition smoother in the long run.
• Progress looks like this:
  • Two steps forward, one step back
  • Celebration of tiny wins
  • Flexibility during tough days
  • Trust in your parental intuition

It's okay to keep one contact nap. It's okay to have days when you go back to all contact naps. It's okay to celebrate a 10-minute crib nap like you've won the lottery.