Baby Doesn’t Nap But Sleeps at Night? Causes & Solutions

Rehman
February 26, 2025
BABY, KIDS, TODDLER
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Why Your Baby Doesn’t Nap but Sleeps at Night – Causes & Solutions

Most parents ask, “Why won’t my baby nap?” despite napping well at night. If your baby doesn’t nap but sleeps at night, rest assured that you are not the only one. Most babies have difficulty sleeping during the day due to biological, environmental, and developmental reasons. Understanding why your infant doesn’t nap while sleeping just fine at night is important to assist your baby in developing healthy, regular sleep patterns.

1. Baby Sleep Cycles: Why My Baby Won’t Nap

Newborns and infants’ sleep cycles are quite different from those of adults. A newborn won’t nap because the circadian rhythm is still establishing itself. Contrary to night sleep, which is melatonin-driven, day naps depend on a baby’s sleep pressure and wake windows. If your baby sleeps at night but won’t nap, it might be because of the following:

Briefer Sleep Cycles: Infants have lighter, more interrupted sleep at naptime.
Overtiredness: If a baby is tired but won’t sleep, they may have passed their best nap time.
Under-tiredness: If awake times are too brief, your baby doesn’t want to sleep in the crib at naptime.

As infants mature, they go through several stages of sleep, so it is normal that a 3-month-old doesn’t nap or that a 5-month-old won’t nap.

Why Your Newborn Won’t Nap But Sleeps at Night

It’s normal for a newborn who doesn’t sleep during the day but sleeps soundly at night. This can be infuriating, particularly for parents who require daytime breaks. A newborn keeps fighting sleep because:

Immature Sleep-wake Rhythms: Their body is not yet able to differentiate between day and night.
Overstimulation: Bright lights, noise, and playtime can keep a newborn who doesn’t want to sleep in a crib awake during the day.
Sleep Associations: Stroller or car seat motion naps can prevent a baby from napping in a crib.

For new babies, establishing a regular nap routine and preparing the sleep environment for maximum benefit can promote more successful daytime sleeping.

2. Common Causes of Nap Resistance in Infants and Older Babies

If you’re 5 month old not napping or 7-month-old fighting naps, it may be caused by:

Nap Transitions: Around 4-6 months, infants solidify sleep, causing the refusal of temporary naps.
Discomfort Due to Teething: Parents frequently query, “Do babies get sleepy from teething?” Yes, but they get restless and irritable as well during naps.
Separation Anxiety: Between 7-9 months, infants become more sensitive, thus rejecting daytime separation.

For older babies, symptoms such as a 9-month-old won’t nap or a 1-year-old won’t take an afternoon nap can signal readiness for fewer naps.

3. Why My Infant Won’t Nap in the Crib

It is common for parents to find it difficult to get their baby to sleep in a crib. If your baby sleeps in a crib at night but won’t during the day, it could be that they have learned to connect the crib with nighttime sleeping only. Some solutions are:

Daytime Sleep Associations: Start the same pre-sleep routine as at night.
Gradual Crib Introduction: Put the baby into the crib sleepy but awake for naps.
Consistent Nap Environment: Dim room, white noise, and cool temperature assistance.

If your baby will not sleep in a crib during the day, it may be because they need napping sleep training.

4. Developmental Stages and Nap Resistance

Resistance to naps is typical with growth phases. For example:

Why won’t my 3-month-old nap? – Sleep cycles are developing, causing shorter naps.
5-month-old won’t nap – Teething and sleep regressions interfere with naps.
9-month-old will not nap – Growing mobility and curiosity get in the way of rest.
19-month-old won’t nap – Toddlers start to phase out to one nap a day.

These developmental changes tend to make it look like a baby not napping during the day but sleeping just fine at night.

5. Signs That Your Baby Requires a Nap (Even If They Tired)

Babies sometimes look like they are happy to forgo naps, but symptoms of being overtired are:

Crying, fussiness, and irritability.
Rubbing eyes, yawning, and shying away from eye contact.
Hyperactivity in the evening – Parents confuse this with energy rather than tiredness.

A baby tired but won’t sleep during the day might require improved nap techniques to prevent sleep debt.

6. How to Get a Baby to Nap in Crib & Encourage Consistent Daytime Sleep

If your baby sleeps in a crib at night but not day, it’s necessary to establish a regular nap schedule that will help them sleep during the day. Here’s how you can assist:

1. Adjust Wake Windows for Best Naps

Parents often ask, “Why won’t my 3-month-old nap?” or “Why does my baby resist sleep?” Quite often, it’s because the baby is either overtired or undertired.

Newborns (0-3 months): Wake windows are 45-90 minutes.
Infants (4-6 months): Wake windows are 1.5-2.5 hours.
Older Babies (6-12 months): 2.5-4 hours, depending on the number of naps.

If your baby doesn’t want to sleep in a crib, wake-time adjustments can make a huge difference.

Visit Here: How to Keep Toddler in Bed when Transitioning From Crib

2. Create a Nap Routine Similar to Nighttime

A newborn doesn’t want to sleep in a crib during the day but sleeps soundly at night since they link the crib to nighttime. To correct this:

Take a Pre-nap Routine: As with bedtime, have quiet time, a book, and a brief cuddle.
Have a Dark Room: Blackout curtains communicate that it is time to sleep.
Take White Noise: It helps in excluding external distractions.

3. Why My Baby Won’t Nap Even When Tired

At times, even a baby tired but won’t sleep resists naps. Causes are:

Overstimulation Before Nap Time – Stay away from screen time and loud sounds before naps.
Hunger or Discomfort – Feed the baby well and make sure the diaper is clean.
Teething Pain – Teething makes it difficult for a 5-month-old not to nap or an infant who doesn’t nap.

If your baby doesn’t nap but sleeps at night, focusing on regular routines and gentle sleep settings can enhance daytime rest.

4. How to Manage a Newborn Fighting Sleep

Parents wonder, “What to do when a newborn fights sleep?” If your newborn is fighting sleep, then:

Holding them 5-10 minutes longer before lying down
Rocking gently before to crib drowsy but awake
Relying on a pacifier if they resist self-soothing

If a newborn won’t nap in the crib, you might need to provide gentle motion naps (rocking, baby-wearing) temporarily while transitioning towards independent sleep.

5. When to Drop a Nap and How to Transition Smoothly

If your 19-month-old won’t nap, they might be ready to drop naps completely. Indications are:

Consistently skipping naps for 2+ weeks
Still happy and sleeping well at night
Resisting naps for an hour or more

To make a transition, swap nap time for quiet activities such as reading or peaceful play.

6. When to Get Assistance for a Baby Not Napping During the Day

If your baby doesn’t nap but sleeps at night continues for months and leads to:

Night wakings
Excessive fussiness
Inconsistent sleep patterns

You might need to seek the assistance of a pediatrician or sleep specialist. A few babies who don’t nap during the day might have silent reflux, food sensitivities, or sensory processing issues.

Final Thoughts: Each Baby is Unique

If your baby sleeps at night but won’t nap, it does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Some babies require less daytime sleep naturally than others. However, providing good sleep habits, steady routines, and a nap-friendly environment to napping can help nap-friendly while keeping healthy nighttime sleep intact.

By understanding your baby’s unique sleep needs and making gradual adjustments, you can help them nap better while continuing to enjoy restful nights.