A question I hear all the time from parents is:
“If I sleep train my baby, will they still nap in the car, carrier or stroller?”
The answer? Yes but with some boundaries.
Cot Naps Are the Gold Standard
Not all naps are equal. The best, most restorative sleep happens in a cot or stationary sleep space—calm, dark, quiet, and safe.
Especially for babies under 2, this deep sleep is crucial for brain development, emotional regulation, and overall growth.
The 80/20 Rule for Naps
Here’s the magic trick:
80% of naps: in the cot
20% of naps: on the go (carrier, stroller, car seat, grandparent’s house—life happens!)
That means you don’t have to stay home every nap. It is fine for your baby to catch a nap while you are out running errands or taking them to activities. But motion naps shouldn’t be the daily norm.
Research shows that naps in a moving carrier, stroller or car seat are lighter, less restorative, and may even add stress to your baby’s system, especially under 6 months.
So yes, your baby can nap in the carrier, car or stroller from time to time, but if you want quality sleep, the majority of naps should happen in a consistent, stationary space.
Cortisol Timing? Not as Important as Consistency
You might have heard that naps should match your baby’s natural dips in cortisol. Honestly, that is not supported by strong evidence.
What really matters is following their cues and wake times.
Consistency beats trying to “time” naps around hormone cycles.
Tips for Better Naps
✔️ End naps at a reasonable time so bedtime isn’t affected. Aim for at least 11 hours of nighttime sleep.
✔️ Create calm, dark, stationary environments for most naps as this is where babies get the most restorative sleep.
✔️ Follow your baby’s cues and wake times rather than trying to schedule naps around hormone cycles.
✔️ Be consistent as predictable nap routines support better sleep more than perfectly timing around cortisol.
Sleep training isn’t about perfection. It is about teaching your baby the skills to sleep well most of the time.
So go ahead, plan that coffee run, park visit, or grocery trip. Just keep it within the 20% of “on-the-go” naps, and the 80% in the cot will do the heavy lifting for restorative sleep.
Need More Help With Your Baby’s Sleep?
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