The Secret to Better Naps (and Saner Parents): Why Letting Go Works

If you’ve ever watched your baby on the monitor like a hockey fan watching a playoff game, you’re not alone. In our house, my husband is a lifelong Leafs fan. When we first moved in together, he told me, “I don’t think you understand how much I watch sports.” I laughed – famous last words. To this day, if the Leafs are playing, he insists on watching live because, and I quote, “I need to control it with my mind.” Now, he’s joking. (I think.) But I can’t help but see the same energy in so many parents – especially when it comes to naps.

The Nap-Time Mind Control Trap

You know the scene. You finally get your baby down for a nap, sneak away like a ninja, and then... sit frozen, eyes glued to the monitor. You’re willing them to sleep for two solid hours. You don’t breathe, you don’t blink, you just… watch. And 25 minutes later, they’re up. Why does it feel like the more we want them to nap, the less they do? As a Registered Social Worker Sleep Consultant here in Toronto, I’ve worked with hundreds of families, and I can tell you this: babies feel our energy. They sense stress, tension, and yes – even the desperate please, please, please stay asleep vibes coming from the kitchen.

What If You Tried Nap Roulette Instead?

I’m going to ask you to do something radical: embrace the unpredictability. Take a deep breath. Step back. Let go of the idea that you can control every second of nap time. When you release that pressure – on both yourself and your baby – you give them room to find their own rhythm. Focus instead on creating a calm, consistent environment, and then (this part’s key) let yourself live your life for those 25 minutes.

Here’s Your Challenge

Next nap time, pick an activity that takes about 25 minutes. Something you can lose yourself in:

• Read a chapter of a book.
• Take a shower without rushing.
• Sit outside with a cup of tea.
• Meditate, stretch, or just breathe.

Even if your baby wakes up early, you’ll have reclaimed a little space for yourself – and that energy shift alone can change everything. Because (don’t hate me) constantly watching the monitor doesn’t help your baby sleep better. It just keeps you in a state of stress. And that stress? They can feel it.

Why Letting Go Works

Your little one is like a tiny Jedi – they pick up on your energy instantly. The calmer and more grounded you are, the safer and more relaxed they feel. That connection helps build healthy sleep patterns and trust, even during short naps. And if all else fails? There’s always coffee (and maybe a Leafs game) to get you through the day.

Sleep Support That’s Grounded in Reality (and Covered by Insurance)

At Baby’s Best Sleep, we believe sleep support should be as compassionate as it is practical. Our team of Registered Social Worker Sleep Consultants provides evidence-based help for families across Toronto and the GTA – and yes, many of our services are covered by insurance under “Social Work.” If you’re ready to find peace with nap roulette – or just want some reassurance that your baby’s sleep is normal – book a consultation. We’ll help you trade monitor anxiety for confidence, one nap at a time.