It's common for newborns to take 20-30-minute cat naps. Their sleep cycles are short – only about 45 minutes long compared to 90 minutes for an adult. Further, babies aren’t great at connecting their sleep cycles, which means they are likely to wake up after each sleep cycle and need help getting back to sleep.
Catnapping can feel frustrating because it often surfaces in months 2, 3, or 4, making them feel like a setback when your newborn used to nap soundly. Rest assured, this is normal.. Once your baby hits 5 months old, longer, consolidated naps become more developmentally appropriate.
To cope, sleep educators recommend these tips:
Create a short, repeatable nap routine,like a diaper change, book, or snuggle. Consistency with transitions cues your baby that it’s time to rest.
Double check their sleep environment:total darkness, cool room temperature, and white noise.
Contact nap(rock, hold, babywear)
Replace your baby’s pacifierif they take one.
Know when to move on:
If your newborn wakes after only 20-30 minutes, try to resettle them for the next 10 minutes or so. If they don’t fall back asleep, just start a new wake period.