Optimizing Baby Naps and Summer Schedules for Busy Moms
Baby Nap Hacks for Active Families
Balancing baby naps with a busy summer schedule can be so challenging for moms managing errands, camp drop-offs, and family activities! Finding the right balance between home and on-the-go naps, adjusting bedtime routines, and implementing creative strategies can make all the difference. In this post, discover practical strategies to keep your baby’s naps on track without sacrificing your family’s summer fun. And many of these tips are applicable throughout the year, helping you manage naps and schedules no matter the season!
Go by the 80/20 rule
Keeping a consistent nap routine is important for your baby’s well-being and helps make other naps and bedtime easier. It also reduces the risk of overtiredness, which can lead to night wakings and early wakeups. But this can be more challenging during the busy summer months. Adhering to the 80/20 rule—with 80% of naps at home and 20% on-the-go—keeps your baby’s sleep routine steady and minimizes disruptions.
What does 20% look like? If your baby is on…
Four Naps a Day: Aim for no more than 5-6 naps per week outside of home
Three Naps a Day: Target no more than 4-5 naps per week outside of home
Two Naps a Day: Plan for no more than 2-3 naps per week outside of home
One Nap a Day: Limit to 1-2 naps per week outside of home
Tips for On-the-Go Napping
Napping inside (hopefully with AC!) at someone else’s house
Bring familiar sleep items like a portable crib, your baby’s favorite bedtime board books, and a sound machine to recreate a home-like environment.
Using a pack n play with a more cushioned mattress is helpful, especially if your child will be napping in the pack n play often.
Having portable blackout shades can also be helpful, and will keep the room cooler for sleep!
Napping outside at the beach or park
If you’re staying at the beach for the afternoon, having a place for your baby to sleep will be essential. For younger babies, I recommend this portable bassinet, and for older babies, this portable, covered play yard is great for both naps and playtime.
Consider using a portable white noise machine or white noise app if the area if very loud!
Walking around sleeping in the stroller
If your baby will be sleeping in the stroller, I recommend a bassinet-style stroller or one like this with a lay-flat feature and travel ready (foldable and 11.5 lbs).
Ensure your baby is comfortably secured in the stroller and check frequently to avoid overheating or discomfort. Please do not use a blanket to create a darker space in the stroller - when it’s hot outside, it’ll just make that space even hotter! Instead use a stroller fan and frequently check to make sure your baby is a good temperature.
By following the 80/20 rule and implementing these tips, you can help your baby adapt to occasional on-the-go naps while maintaining their overall sleep consistency.
Creative solutions for balancing errands & baby naps
Sometimes you’ll need to be in two (or seven! LOL) places at once. This is when you need to get creative and think outside the box for solutions on how to get errands done, older kids dropped at camp, etc and not have your baby constantly taking naps in the car.
Here are some creative solutions for managing errands and activities while ensuring baby gets close to their 80% of naps at home:
Nap rotation schedule: Coordinate with a trusted friend or neighbor to alternate days for running errands and babysitting, allowing each mom to have uninterrupted time.
If your babies are on similar schedules, then you can drop off your baby at your friend’s house so both babies can nap there while you do what you need to do. (And if you’re running errands, you could do hers as well and you can settle up the Costco bill when you get back!) Then the next time, she can drop her baby off at your house so you can watch them during naptime and she can get her errands done.
If your children at on different schedules, it can still work, but you may not have both napping at the same time.
Errand exchange program: Partner with another parent to swap errands. One handles the grocery shopping while the other picks up kids from activities.
This seems pretty genius for those that like to physically pick out their items at the store (I’ve never been an Instacart girl!). And if you both have kids at the same camp or activity, why should you BOTH need to get in that pick-up line?
Home delivery services: Speaking of Instacart…use grocery and meal delivery services to minimize the need to leave home during nap times.
I do all my fresh food shopping in store, but I get EVERYTHING else delivered - non-toxic laundry and cleaning supplies, personal care products, prime beef subscription, etc.
Do your meal planning weekly and then schedule delivery during naptime so you’ll have both hands free to unload groceries when they arrive.
Babysitting co-op: Form a group with other parents to take turns watching each other's children. This provides dedicated time for errands.
There are quite a few co-ops like this in my area, often through a church, but some are through moms groups. If you can’t find one, start your own!
Gather a group of parents and set up a schedule where each takes a turn babysitting. Use a point system to track turns and ensure fairness, rewarding those who babysit more often.
Evening errands: Shift errands to the evening when another adult is home to stay with the baby during the last nap of the day or after bedtime.
This can actually save you time since there will be less traffic and stores will be less busy in the evenings.
Local parent network: Join local parenting groups or apps to find nearby parents willing to share pickup/drop-off responsibilities. You may learn that a mom down the street from you has a child at the same camp and can easily carpool with you.
For people you’re just getting to know, it’s a good idea to set up a trial period to make sure the arrangement works for both families.
In-home helper: Hire a part-time helper to stay with the baby during nap times so you can run errands without disruption. There are, of course, the traditional babysitters and nannies, but don’t forget others that often have more time available in the summer…
A mother’s helper is often a younger person who assists while you are still at home. Start with shorter shifts, gradually increasing as trust builds. Clearly define tasks like playing with older kids or light housework.
High school and college students often have flexible schedules are able to either stay alone with your child at home or may have a car to drive older children to activities. Post jobs on college job boards or connect with student groups focused on education or childcare.
Retired grandparents or neighbors often enjoy spending time with little ones when their one grandchildren live far away. They have the time and can offer flexible help. Reach out to local community or senior centers or places of worship to post jobs and ask for recommendations. You may be able to offer to exchange services with them like helping with technology, running their errands or a batch of your famous lasagna!
Au Pairs are an option if you’re willing to have a live-in sitter. Typically they work 40-45 hours each week (no more than 10 hours per day) and those hours can be flexible, in exchange for room and board and a weekly stipend. Many families will also pay their car insurance, cell phone and memberships (museums, etc) that will be helpful in caring for their children.
These tips can help juggle the chaos of older kids’ schedules while keeping baby’s naps on track.
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Use activity bins for older kids who’d rather be at the pool
For those times where you’ve decided you need to let baby nap in the crib, but you have older children who would rather be at the pool, or the beach or anywhere but home, consider using activity bins.
I wrote a very popular blog post on using quiet time bins when your child drops the nap and the premise is the same - you’ll make some activity bins that are only used during baby’s nap time when everyone needs to stay inside at home.
You can get inspiration for what to put in the bins in the blog post, as well as the fun timer I suggest so your older kids have a sense of when the nap will be over so you can go on your next adventure!
Be flexible with bedtime
Being flexible with bedtime is key when managing your baby’s nap schedule, especially on days when naps haven’t gone as planned.
Whether naps were shorter, or missed entirely due to being on the go, it’s important to adjust bedtime accordingly. If you notice your baby didn’t get their usual amount of daytime sleep, consider moving bedtime up by 30-60 minutes.
This small shift can help ensure your baby isn’t going to bed overtired. Remember that overtiredness will cause night wakings and early wakeups. Adapting bedtime based on daily nap quality helps keep your baby’s sleep routine balanced and lessens the chances of bedtime struggles.
Balancing baby naps with a busy summer schedule can be challenging, but by sticking to the 80/20 rule, being flexible with bedtime, and employing creative solutions for balancing errands, you can keep your baby’s sleep routine on track. With these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to juggle family activities while ensuring your baby gets the rest he or she needs!
Summer Baby Nap Strategies for Busy Moms with Older Kids
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This post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you, your child and/or your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your child’s physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.