Sleep and Naps for Children in Grand Rapids, MI

On average, a young baby needs around 12 to 16 hours of sleep in a 24‑hour period, but this can vary from one child to the next. Newborns and young babies in Grand Rapids often become drowsy while they are feeding. Babies aged 6 months and older are less likely to fall asleep during feeds and may start resisting sleep, especially as they become more alert to their surroundings.

As your baby grows, they may learn how to keep themselves awake, and parents may need to develop new strategies to help their older baby relax and fall asleep. Toddlers typically need about 10 to 14 hours of sleep per night and still benefit from one or more daytime naps.

In a city like Grand Rapids, Michigan, where long winter nights and shorter daylight hours can affect routines, maintaining a regular sleep schedule is especially important. Cold weather and more time indoors can make it harder for children to burn off energy, which may also impact naps and nighttime sleep.

How Much Sleep Do Children Need?

Newborns (0–3 months)

  • Total sleep: Around 14–17 hours per 24 hours, often in short blocks
  • Often fall asleep while feeding
  • Wake frequently for feeds, including at night

Young Babies (3–6 months)

  • Total sleep: Around 12–16 hours per 24 hours
  • May start to have longer stretches at night
  • Still need several naps during the day

Older Babies (6–12 months)

  • Less likely to fall asleep during feeding
  • Usually take 2–3 naps during the day
  • May fight sleep because they are more interested in their surroundings

Toddlers (1–3 years)

  • Need around 10–14 hours of sleep in 24 hours
  • Usually take 1–2 naps per day, often dropping to one nap by around 18–24 months
  • Most children still benefit from at least one nap or a quiet rest period until around 2½ to 3 years of age

A young child’s nighttime routine can be severely disrupted if:

  • They don’t get enough sleep during the day
  • Their afternoon nap is too late or too close to bedtime

Signs of Tiredness in Babies and Children

Try to settle your child for a nap when they first show signs of tiredness, before they become overtired and agitated. Signs of tiredness can include:

  • Staring or “zoned out” look
  • Jerky movements of the arms and legs
  • Clenched fists
  • Frowning
  • Yawning
  • Irritable behavior, fussing, or crying
  • Rubbing eyes or pulling at ears (common in toddlers)

Recognizing these early signs can help Grand Rapids parents start nap time before their child becomes overtired, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep.

Why Adequate Sleep Matters

Children of all ages need enough sleep and rest for:

  • Healthy growth and development
  • Strong immune function (especially important during Michigan’s cold and flu season)
  • Better behavior and mood
  • Improved learning, attention, and memory

When Babies and Toddlers Don’t Get Enough Sleep

  • Babies may have trouble feeding properly or finishing their feeds if they are too tired.
  • Older babies and toddlers may be more difficult to handle, as tiredness often leads to crankiness, clinginess, and tears.
  • Even if your child sleeps well at night, they generally still need one or two daytime naps until about 2½ to 3 years of age.

How Daytime Naps Affect Nighttime Sleep

Your child’s nighttime sleep habits can be influenced by their daytime naps.

For example:

  • If your toddler skips an afternoon nap, they may become:
    • Too tired to eat their evening meal
    • Very overtired and difficult to settle
    • Ready for bed very early

If they go to bed much earlier than usual, they may:

  • Wake in the early hours of the morning, and
  • It can be hard to tell whether they are waking out of habit or because they are hungry or overtired.

On the other hand:

  • Naps that are too long or too late in the afternoon can make it harder for some children to fall asleep at their normal bedtime.

Finding the right balance is important. In Grand Rapids, seasonal changes in daylight—brighter evenings in summer and early darkness in winter—can also affect when children feel sleepy, so a consistent routine helps.

Why Some Children Resist Naps

Older babies and toddlers may not want to nap for a variety of reasons:

  • They don’t want to be by themselves
  • They don’t want to miss out on any activity at home, daycare, or with siblings
  • They are too excited, restless, or anxious and can’t relax
  • Their daytime routine doesn’t always include naps, so their body clock is inconsistent
  • They are hungry or thirsty
  • They are too hot, too cold, or otherwise uncomfortable

In Grand Rapids, indoor heating in winter and outdoor play in summer can affect comfort levels. Making sure your child is dressed appropriately for Michigan’s changing weather can support better naps.

Tips to Help Your Child Nap During the Day

1. Create a Consistent Daily Pattern

  • Aim for regular nap times each day, especially for toddlers.
  • Try to keep a consistent wake-up time in the morning, even on weekends.
  • Establish a positive, calm pre-nap routine, such as:
    • Quiet play
    • Reading a short story
    • Gentle cuddling or singing

2. Encourage Fresh Air and Physical Activity

Children generally sleep better when they have had time to move and play.

  • Make sure your child has plenty of fresh air and physical activity each day.
  • In Grand Rapids, this might include:
    • Playing at local parks such as Riverside Park, Millennium Park, or John Ball Park
    • Short walks in the neighborhood (dress warmly in fall and winter)
    • Indoor play spaces or community centers during very cold or snowy weather

Physical activity helps children burn off energy and can make it easier for them to relax at nap time.

3. Prepare for Nap Time

Before a nap, try to ensure that your child is:

  • Comfortable and in clean clothes or a fresh diaper
  • Fed, but not overly full
  • Not thirsty

Then:

  • Give your child time to wind down with gentle, quiet activities.
  • Read them a story or sing a soft song to signal that it’s time to rest.
  • Make sure the room is dark or dim, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
    • In winter, check that the room is warm enough but not too hot.
    • In summer, consider using a fan or air conditioning to keep the room cool.

4. Support Self-Soothing

  • Provide your child with an opportunity to settle themselves once you place them in their crib or bed.
  • If they are anxious without you:
    • Stay in the room for a few minutes to offer reassurance and comfort.
    • Gradually shorten the time you stay as they become more confident.

After about 8 months of age, some children are comforted by a special object or toy, such as a small blanket or soft toy.

Always follow safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about what is safe to have in the crib based on your child’s age and development.

You may also:

  • Leave the bedroom door slightly open so your child can hear you moving around the house, which can be reassuring.

Even if your child does not fall asleep, a quiet rest period is still beneficial.

Safe Sleep and SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy)

Safe sleep practices are important for all families, including those in Grand Rapids:

  • Place babies on their back to sleep, for naps and nighttime.
  • Use a firm, flat sleep surface with a fitted sheet.
  • Keep soft bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals out of the crib for young babies.
  • Avoid overheating—dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature.
  • Keep your baby’s sleep area smoke-free.

For personalized guidance, talk with your pediatrician or a local healthcare provider.

Local Grand Rapids Resources for Sleep and Child Health

If you have concerns about your baby’s or toddler’s sleep, or if naps are consistently a struggle, you don’t have to handle it alone. Parents in Grand Rapids, MI can reach out to:

Healthcare Providers

  • Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
    Pediatric sleep concerns, developmental questions, and general child health.

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Pediatric and family medicine clinics can provide guidance on sleep routines and safe sleep.

  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    Family medicine and pediatric services for sleep, behavior, and growth concerns.

  • Mercy Health (now part of Trinity Health)
    Pediatric and family care providers across the Grand Rapids area.

Public Health and Community Resources

  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers maternal and child health programs, parenting support, and information on safe sleep and child development.
    Website: https://www.accesskent.com/health

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids
    Provides community health information and connects families to local services.

  • Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor
    Can assess whether sleep issues are typical for your child’s age or if further evaluation is needed.

Parenting Support

  • Local parenting classes, early childhood programs, and support groups are often available through:
    • Hospitals (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
    • Community centers and churches
    • Early Head Start and Head Start programs

If you’re worried about your child’s sleep, growth, or behavior, or if naps are causing significant stress at home, contact your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Key Takeaways for Grand Rapids Parents

  • Babies and toddlers need regular naps and adequate total sleep for healthy growth and behavior.
  • Watch for early signs of tiredness and start nap routines before your child becomes overtired.
  • A consistent daily pattern, including regular nap and bedtime routines, helps children sleep better at night.
  • Fresh air and physical activity—adapted for Michigan’s changing seasons—support healthy sleep.
  • Even if your child does not sleep, quiet rest time is still helpful.
  • Reach out to Grand Rapids healthcare providers and public health resources if you need extra support with your child’s sleep or nap schedule.