How to Move from Contact Naps to Cot Naps (Without Sleep Training)

If a baby only sleeps when held, you may be wondering how to move from contact naps to cot naps without leaving them to cry or using conventional sleep training. In this video, we explain 5 responsive steps that can help families gradually introduce cot naps while continuing to support their baby’s sleep. Contact naps are not a bad habit, and there is no rule that says babies need to stop sleeping on a parent by a particular age. But sometimes contact naps stop working for the family. A parent may need to work, care for another child, have some physical space or simply have another way to support their baby to sleep. Lyndsey, paediatric nurse, IBCLC and co-founder of the Holistic Sleep Coaching Program, explains how families can move towards cot naps by adding flexibility rather than suddenly removing the support a baby already relies on. We cover: • Why contact naps are not a bad habit • How to tell whether it may be a good time to introduce cot naps • Why starting with one cot nap can be easier than changing every nap • How to make the cot more familiar before expecting sleep there • Why keeping familiar sleep cues can make the transition easier • How to practise responsive cot transfers • What to do when a baby wakes during the transfer • Why repeatedly attempting the cot can make sleep harder • When to rescue a nap rather than continuing to practise • Why cot nap progress is rarely linear • How to introduce more sleep flexibility without leaving a baby to cry The goal is not to make a baby sleep independently at any cost. Instead of asking, “How do we stop contact naps?”, it can be more helpful to ask: “How can we gradually add another way for this baby to sleep?” For some families, even one successful cot nap creates enough flexibility to work, eat, shower, spend time with another child or simply have some physical space. Contact naps can stay when they work. Cot naps can gradually become another option. CHAPTERS 00:00 Contact naps to cot naps without sleep training 01:03 Why contact naps aren't a bad habit 02:17 Is your baby ready for cot naps? 03:44 Step 1: Start with one cot nap 04:48 Step 2: Make the cot familiar 05:42 Adding flexibility instead of removing support 06:33 Step 3: Keep familiar sleep cues 07:23 What responsive sleep support looks like 08:06 Step 4: Practise responsive cot transfers 09:01 Step 5: Know when to rescue the nap 10:02 What if cot naps suddenly stop working? 10:53 Moving from contact naps to cot naps 11:42 Contact nap checklist & sleep support For sleep professionals, doulas, lactation consultants, nurses, and family-support practitioners interested in responsive, evidence-informed baby sleep support, the Holistic Sleep Coaching Program trains sleep consultants in a compassionate, relational, and holistic approach to family sleep. Apply for the Holistic Sleep Coaching Programme 👉 https://www.holisticsleepcoaching.com... FREE Sleep Workshop Series 👉https://holisticsleepcoaching.com/rev 📈 10-Step Holistic Sleep Coaching Road Map: www.holisticsleepcoaching.com/10-steps 🚀 Free Guide to Building a Successful Holistic Sleep Consultancy: https://holisticsleepcoaching.com/fre... =============================== Say hi on social:   / holisticsleepcoach     / holisticsleepcoachingprogram   =============================== Who are we, and why should you listen to us? Welcome to the Holistic Sleep Coaching YouTube channel, your resource for new and experienced sleep consultants. We help you build a thriving, heart-centered business using holistic, science-based sleep methods and proven business strategies. Our focus is on nurturing healthy sleep for kids while respecting the parent-child bond and supporting your business growth. Advance your career with our accredited program featuring expert training and tailored business coaching to build a successful, client-centered practice. CHECK OUT A FEW CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES HERE:    / @holisticsleepcoachingreviews