Why Your Baby Fights Naps

3 Practical Tips to Help Them Sleep Better

If your baby seems to be fighting every nap like it’s a personal protest, you’re not alone. Many parents tell me, “She’s so tired, but she just won’t sleep!” or “He’ll only nap in the car or on the boob.”

Here’s the truth: most babies aren’t nap-resistant by nature. They’re just caught in a pattern that makes it really hard for their body to feel the right drive to sleep. Here is a list of common reasons why your little one may be struggling to give into their nap.

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1. Little “micro naps” are stealing their sleep drive

Those quick dozes in the car, stroller, or on the breast might seem harmless, but they’re actually hitting the “reset” button on your baby’s sleep pressure.

Think of it like sneaking a spoonful of dinner before mealtime. Suddenly, you’re not that hungry anymore. When your baby catches a few minutes of rest while feeding or on a drive, it releases just enough sleep pressure to make a real nap much harder.

Tip #1:
Keep your baby fully awake during feeds and short car rides close to nap time. If you know they’re due for a nap soon, plan your drive or errands after they’ve had a proper sleep. It’s better to protect one solid nap than chase three failed ones. I know its a hard thing to do, and guilt can kick in, but it really is for the greater good.

2. Feeding and sleeping have become too connected

Many babies associate the breast or bottle ( both are sucking props) with falling asleep. While it’s completely natural and honestly, quite sweet, it can cause trouble when you want them to nap independently.

If every nap starts with feeding, your baby’s brain links “milk = sleep.” When that link is broken (for example, when you transfer them to the crib), they often wake fully and resist going back to sleep without that same cue.

Tip #2:
Create a short, predictable nap routine that separates feeding from sleep. Try: feed → play → short wind-down → nap. This helps your baby learn that sleep can happen without milk (sucking) and it strengthens their ability to self-settle.

3. They’re simply overtired (or not tired enough)

Babies have tiny windows of optimal sleepiness and missing that window can lead to crankiness, wired energy, and nap refusal. It’s like giving a toddler coffee and expecting them to nap peacefully.

Too short a wake window, and they’re not tired enough. Too long, and they’re overtired. Both end in nap battles.

Tip #3:
Follow age-appropriate wake windows and sleepy cues. Check out my downloadable guide for a snapshot of what they should be.

Babies don’t fight naps out of stubbornness, even though it may feel that way. They’re working with biology, habits, and timing. Once you adjust those small details, naps often fall into place more easily (for both of you).

If you’re still struggling with naps that last 20 minutes or a baby who just won’t settle, a personalized plan can make all the difference.

Ready to reclaim your baby’s naps (and your sanity)? Book a personalized sleep consultation with me today and get a tailored plan that actually works — no guesswork, no endless trial-and-error.