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For many new parents, contact naps are a familiar and often cherished part of the parenting journey. The warmth of your baby's tiny body nestled close and the rise and fall of their chest against yours.
But beyond those cosy cuddles, are there real benefits to letting your baby nap in your arms? And what about the possible downsides?
We’ve written this blog to discuss the pros and cons of contact naps to help you decide if this popular parenting practice suits you and your baby.
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There’s no hard-and-fast rule for when to stop contact naps, it depends on you and your baby.
Many parents continue contact naps well into the first year, especially during those tricky leaps and regressions. If it’s working for you both, there’s no rush. But if you're ready for more hands-free time, or your baby’s starting to sleep more independently, you can gradually start transitioning to cot naps.
Start with one nap a day and build from there. The key is to follow your baby’s cues and your own needs – there’s no “right” time, just the right time for you.
Stopping contact naps is a gentle shift – not a sudden stop.
Try transferring your baby to the cot once they’re drowsy but not fully asleep. A safe cot, a dark room, white noise, and a consistent nap routine can all help signal it’s time to rest.
It’s a big change, so expect some resistance at first, but stick with it. If your baby only naps on you, begin by replacing one contact nap a day with a cot nap and build from there. You can also stay close by, and pat or shush for reassurance.
Here are five simple ways to help make the move away from contact naps a little easier.
Babies tend to outgrow contact naps somewhere between 6 to 12 months, but like most things in parenting, it depends on the baby. If it's still working for you both, there's no need to rush.
Some start to prefer their own space earlier, while others find comfort in contact naps for a bit longer. You'll know your baby’s ready to move on when they start napping well in their cot, settle more easily without being held, or become too active to stay snuggled up for long.
Kangaroo Care is skin-to-skin contact between a parent and their baby, where the baby (usually wearing only a nappy) is placed upright against the parent's bare chest. It’s especially common with newborns and premature babies, but it’s beneficial for all babies.
It helps regulate baby’s heart rate, breathing, and temperature. It also boosts bonding, breastfeeding, and brain development—and can even reduce stress for both of you.
Think of it as a warm, secure space that feels a lot like the womb.
