Why naps matter now?

If you've heard yourself say. "He's just not much of a napper," it's time to nip that in the bud and help him enjoy some regular shut-eye. New research support long-standing beliefs that toddlers who skipped a single daily nap were more anxious and less happy than their well-rested counterparts.

Earlier research associated naps with increased cognitive development. Starting healthy sleep habits now can mean a calmer, happier (and smarter!) tot down the road.

Respect the routine

Been-there, done that moms know this is cardinal rule number one; If your baby likes to doze off at about 11 a.m., for heaven's sake, don't plan anything( and we mean anything) around that time. Yes, it's kind of a no-brainer. And yes, we know by month three you fell kike a slave to the schedule. But it's worth it.

Watch for cues

You have about 30 minutes from the time you see eye rubbing, crying or whatever your child's unique cues are for "I'm tired" to lay her down. If you miss that window, you may end up with an overtired baby who has caught her second wind,

Go with the flow

Sure, experts say the crib is the best place for baby to nap- he'll learn to associate the spot with sleeping. (Plus, it's a safe sleep surface") That said, any sleep is good for baby, whether it's in a bouncy seat, a car seat or a swing.

Be consistent

Even if she resists sleep, don't back off the routine. Any kind of rest (even if she's just lying quietly playing with toys) in a place she associates with sleep is better than nothing.