If you know, you know. Putting two kids down for a nap…but they have completely different timings, needs, and levels of exhaustion. Not to mention your own. Many parents know the struggle of having a toddler who is phasing out of the napping stage and a newborn or infant who needs to sleep every couple of hours. This can keep you locked up at home or in one spot, just so each of you can get the rest you need. It’s a game of balance and logistics when it comes to managing this issue, but we’re here to help! There are some survival tips for those days when it’s especially hard to schedule and deal with the conflicting nap times of your little ones.

Our first tip is to emphasize that the older child’s nap can also be a quiet time of rest, not necessarily a crazy amount of deep sleep. Simply spending some time in a napping tent with a good book or doing a calming activity can also provide rest on days that require more activity and shifts. It is also good to remember that the baby’s sleep is most critical for rest throughout the night, so it’s important to keep it defined and separate from other activities.

Our second tip is to ensure there is a good buffer zone while your younger child is sleeping, so there can be peace and quiet for proper rest. Giving your older child an outdoor activity or sport in these times could be ideal for keeping them from making noise indoors or implementing quieter activities. Additionally, it’s a great idea to use white noise to mask other noises and to close doors and cabinets in advance to avoid chaos. 

Lastly, we think it is important to ensure that you have flexibility and compassion for yourself during this period of transition. It’s very useful to adopt a more open approach to naps and to schedule them when possible. If it’s getting too stuffy inside or with a strict routine, plan a drive or neighborhood stroller walk around to get your toddler out and active while giving the baby time to rest. We know this process can be difficult and tiring at times; however, it’s a unique experience of lovely one-on-one time with each child! We hope these tips helped, and we look forward to hearing any advice you wish to share!