7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Naptime Tune

Naptime is crucial in the development of your little one or so I’ve read. Let me tell you what naptime really is…it’s a reprieve, a heavenly silence, a golden opportunity.

I recommend finding a good piece of music that puts the baby into a calm and restful place.

Trust me, the sooner you are able to replace the noise machine with real music the better. While it’s effective, the “hairdryer song” is not a long-term solution.

Back in 2009, I had a job where my office was in a separate building than the main building. I would have to walk back and forth between my office and the main building at least three times a day. My office environment was stressful and full of busy work. The main building was bustling with people/patrons/coworkers and events—equally as stressful. But the walk between was heaven. I took my time; I lingered at crosswalks, hummed and whistled. For me, the silence between two equally stressful environments was key. For us parents, naptime is key.

The right tune can trigger sleepiness in your little one sending her into a deep sleep and whisking you away to world free of crying, burping, peeing, and pooping (not that you don’t LOVE all those things).

Give these seven steps a try. What have you got to lose?

1. Find an artist you like, not love.  The never-ending hairdryer or white noise sounds can and will make you go crazy. Similarly, if you play your favorite music over and over you may be inclined to send hate mail to the artist.
2. Calm is best. I know. I know you love heavy metal and you can really find peace in the deep rhythmic tones of your favorite Slayer tune, but trust me the baby is not going to find the screaming frontman all that pleasant. The sound should be melodic, without much staccato or baseline. If it’s too upbeat that baby will start swing dancing in the crib. There is no money in swing dancing, so put the kibosh on that talent immediately.
3. Introduce music to baby slowly. As soon as you finally get your child to sleep, start the sound, low at first and build it to the desired level by the end of the nap. Make sure the sound is playing with the baby wakes up. Do this for at least a week or two of napping. Soon the baby will associate the sound with sleep and you can play the music when you start naptime preparations to put her in a peaceful, yet nappy spirit.
4. Hum the tune. While rocking and listening to the song, hum the tune to your baby. Heck, if you have some vocal talent why not sing a few bars along with the song. Your baby will then associate the sound with you and will always feel as though you are in the room, or rather they won’t feel alone. Side note: if you don’t have vocal talent, please don’t sing. Signed, Your Baby.  I’m sure George Strait is a great country artist, but the white hot rage I feel when his songs come on the radio is not healthy or logical (thanks, Dad).
5. Make extra noise. Your baby is sleeping in her crib. Her naptime music is playing at a nice level. Start making noise, empty the dishwasher, clean, talk on the phone, whatever you choose, just make extra. This will teach your baby to focus on the calming music and tune out all the other sounds. This way when she gets a little older, maybe, just maybe, she might tune out the friend you have over to watch the big game who likes to scream, “Touchdown” at the top of his lungs. Yep, he may get put on poopy diaper duty for that.
6. Relax. You did a good job. Your baby is now sleeping with her favorite sound. You are in your happy place thinking of the sandy beaches in the Caribbean, being served premium beverages by a not so unattractive person.
7. Find a new artist/song and start over. Because if you hear John Mayer sing Wildfire one more time you will personally drive to his house and rip out his vocal cords.

     And there you have it. Good luck. Enjoy your naptime peace.