Daytime Sleep Troubles: Why Your Baby Fights Naps

It’s mid-afternoon in your Singapore home. The fan is whirring softly, you’ve dimmed the lights, and you gently rock your baby. But instead of drifting into dreamland, your baby is arching their back, fussing, or wide awake—again. You think to yourself: Why won’t my baby nap? What am I doing wrong? 

As a certified infant sleep trainer, I can assure you—you’re not alone. Many parents face baby nap problems, and the good news is: there are clear reasons behind why a baby won’t nap. Once you understand them, you’ll find nap times can transform from a battlefield into a much calmer part of the day. 

Why Your Baby Won’t Nap: Common Reasons 

Babies resist naps for a variety of reasons, and as an infant sleep trainer, I often break it down into these key causes: 

Reason	Why It Causes Baby Nap Problems	What You Can Do
Overtiredness	When a baby stays awake too long, cortisol levels rise, making it hard to settle.	Follow age-appropriate awake windows to avoid missing the “sleepy cues.”
Undertiredness	If a nap is offered too soon, baby isn’t ready for sleep.	Stretch wake time gradually to match your baby’s age.
Inconsistent routines	Babies thrive on predictability. Without one, naps become unpredictable.	Create a calming pre-nap routine (dim lights, lullaby, cuddle).
Environment	Too much light, noise, or stimulation prevents quality naps.	Use blackout curtains and white noise to create a nap-friendly space.
Developmental leaps	Learning to roll, crawl, or sit can disrupt naps.	Offer extra comfort, but stay consistent with your nap approach.
Sleep associations	If baby always needs rocking/feeding to nap, they struggle to fall asleep independently.	Gradually introduce independent sleep skills to solve baby nap problems.

The Role of a Consistent Routine 

One of the biggest solutions for when a baby won’t nap is structure. A predictable baby nap schedule helps your little one’s body clock adjust, making sleep easier. 

For example, a 6-month-old typically thrives on 2–3 naps per day, with awake windows of 2–3 hours. As your infant sleep trainer, I can help you personalise a routine that matches your baby’s needs while fitting into your family’s lifestyle here in Singapore. 

How Baby Nap Problems Affect Nighttime Sleep 

Many parents assume that if a baby won’t nap, they’ll sleep better at night out of sheer exhaustion. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. In fact, overtiredness from skipped naps often makes babies harder to settle at night, leading to frequent wakings and cranky mornings. 

Daytime and nighttime sleep are deeply connected. Solving baby nap problems is an essential part of sleep training a baby successfully. 

Quick Tips for When Baby Won’t Nap 

Here are strategies I recommend as an infant sleep trainer in Singapore: 

• Watch the clock and cues: Balance age-appropriate awake windows with baby’s signals. 

• Set the scene: Create a consistent nap environment—dark, cool, and calm. 

• Short naps are okay: If naps are only 30–45 minutes, focus on overall sleep totals, not perfection. 

• Don’t rush the transition: Some nap resistance comes from developmental stages (like dropping naps). Wait until your baby shows consistent readiness. 

• Stay calm and consistent: Babies feel your energy. A relaxed approach often makes nap time smoother. 

Final Thoughts from Debra, Infant Sleep Trainer in Singapore 

When a baby won’t nap, it can feel exhausting and frustrating. But nap resistance is not a sign you’re doing something wrong—it’s simply a cue that something in the sleep puzzle needs adjusting. With the right strategies, routines, and support, nap time can become smoother and less stressful. 

If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, I’d love to help. 

👉 Explore my services and let’s work together to solve your baby nap problems—so you and your little one can finally enjoy calmer, more restful days . 

FAQs 

Why does my baby fight naps? 

A baby won’t nap due to overtiredness, undertiredness, inconsistent routines, or environmental distractions. 

How can I fix baby nap problems? 

Use age-appropriate awake times, create a consistent nap routine, and ensure the environment is sleep-friendly. 

Do all babies need naps during the day? 

Yes. Babies and toddlers need naps to support growth, brain development, and prevent overtiredness.

What if my baby takes short naps only? 

Short naps are common, especially in the first 6 months. With consistency, many babies consolidate naps over time. 

Can an infant sleep trainer help with baby nap problems? 

Yes. An infant sleep trainer can assess patterns, guide nap transitions, and design a personalised nap plan.