Embracing the Magic of Contact Napping: A Mums Life

Do you ever find yourself caught in a whirlwind of opinions about how to raise your little ones? Picture this: you're holding your sweet baby in your arms, feeling their gentle breath against your chest, and suddenly you're bombarded with comments about how you're spoiling them by letting them nap in your embrace. Well, let me tell you tell about the incredible journey I've had with contact napping and why it's more than just okay - it's truly magical.

 

Before we dive into the benefits, let's define what contact napping actually is. Contact napping, simply put, is when your baby falls asleep while being held close to your body. It could be in your arms, in a baby carrier, or even snuggled up to you in bed. The key is the physical closeness between parent and child during their nap. This intimate practice not only provides comfort and warmth for your little one but also allows them to feel the rhythm of your heartbeat and the rise and fall of your chest mimicking the cosy environment of the womb. For many babies, contact napping is a natural and soothing way to drift off into dreamland, feeling safe and secure in the arms of their caregiver. 

 

Benefits of Contact Napping: 

From the moment my first child was born, I instinctively knew that there was something special about the closeness we shared during nap times. Contact napping isn't just about convenience; it's about fostering a deep bond between parent and child. Research shows that skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, the love hormone, promoting feelings of security and attachment. Not to mention, it's a lifesaver for burnt out mums who need a moment of rest/peace while still providing comfort to their little ones. If you are contact napping make sure you don't fall asleep on the sofa/chair as this can be extremely dangerous. For me, it was the calm I needed when it had been a testing morning. Remi would sleep an extra 30 minutes if he contacted naps and in that time although I would be thinking about all the things I could physically get done, it would allow my brain to recharge itself and give me some creativity back in that moment. This helps with my seasonal collection building, content creations like this blog (and our others) and new products to launch such as our newest item Bummie Rompers.

 

Unfortunately, I quickly learned that not everyone understands the beauty of contact napping. I faced criticism, such as "you're going to make a rod for your own back" or "isn't he to old for that now", from well-meaning friends and family who believed that allowing my children to nap in my arms would create bad habits or prevent them from learning to sleep independently.  However, I realized that their opinions were just that - opinions! Trusting my instincts and the bond I share with my children now helps me overcome the negativity. Surrounding myself with supportive communities of like-minded parents also provided validation and reassurance.

 

In the end, every parent and child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. As mums, we must remember that we know our children best. Whether it's contact napping, co-sleeping, or any other parenting choice, the most important thing is to do what feels right for you, your family and is safe. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and that's perfectly okay. 

 

To Sum Things Up: 

So, to all the mums out there who have ever felt judged or questioned for embracing contact napping with their little ones, I want to say this: you are doing a great job! Trust your instincts, cherish the precious moments spent cuddling your baby, and know that you are building a foundation of love and security that will last a lifetime. And remember, they are only little for a very short amount of time and you are not alone. After doing a recent small poll on our Instagram and Facebook Accounts, 100% of those that answered said they do or did contact nap with their Ray of Sunshine.

 

If you're looking for more support, encouragement on your parenting or fashion ideas for your Ray of Sunshine, sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on new blogs and join a community of like-minded mums who understand the joys and challenges of motherhood. Remember, you're not alone, and together, we can navigate this beautiful but emotional adventure called parenthood.