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Q: My little one just will never nap. I keep watching for sleepy cues during the day, but naps are either short or non-existent.

Young baby looking surprised

My answer: 

Livewires see “sleepy cues” as a sign of weakness. If you wait for them to look tired, you will be waiting a long time. Do NOT rely on sleepy cues. Know how long your child can stay awake for their age and try for naps even though they are going strong. Sometimes, just trying for a nap at the right moment means you are staying ahead of their powerful second wind, and they might actually sleep easier and longer.

 

The same goes for bedtime. Keeping a child up later does not make them sleepier—it makes them even more wired. It’s like you’ve just given them a cup of coffee. Earlier is better…always.

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