24/10/2025
Gosh we miss these contact naps now are little ones are not so little.
Such a lovely time of connection whilst also slowing down and taking time to rest for us Mumma's.
"Contact naps are not a bad habit.
If you believe everything the old school sleep advice says about baby sleep, then contact naps are a definite no-go.
You'll be told you're making a rod for your back or setting yourself up for huge problems later on. Or you'll be told you're doing your baby a disservice because you're not helping them develop the skill of sleeping independently.
What a load of nonsense!
There's a good reason why your baby wants to sleep on you. They're not forming bad habits or manipulating you.
They're doing what they need to do in order to THRIVE.
Because contact naps are super duper healthy for your baby. Here are some of the reasons:
✦ Their parasympathetic nervous system is turned on so they feel safe - there’s no fight, flight, freeze.
✦ Oxytocin, the love hormone which helps promote trust, empathy and bonding is stimulated,
✦ Their stress response and cortisol levels are regulated,
✦ They benefit from emotional contagion, which means they are influenced by the relaxed body of their caregiver and feel similar feelings,
✦ They receive multi sensory input, which helps their developing brains
✦ They benefit from mimicry of breathing and heart rate, and their heart rate is less variable
✦ The brainwaves can synchronise between baby and caregiver
✦ Their quiet sleep duration can be increased
What about for you - what are the benefits for you? Well, it can stimulate oxytocin for you, too, and can give you a chance to slow down and relax. It's a great bonding moment.
But it can sometimes feel a bit frustrating, even when we take out the issue of misguided expectations and unnecessary concerns over bad habits.
Sometimes we need to get other things done, or we just want some time not in contact with another human being. And that's ok too! We are allowed to have boundaries and fill our own cups, too. "
The Gentle Mama
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