Let’s set the record straight on one of the most debated baby sleep practices.
Contact naps are deeply comforting—for both baby and parent. But if you’ve been told they’re “bad” or that you’re “spoiling” your baby by letting them nap in your arms, you’re not alone. This common parenting worry is fueled by outdated advice and half-truths.
So, let’s look at what the science says, what the experts recommend, and which concerns are myths worth busting.
Myth #1: “You’re Spoiling Your Baby by Holding Them to Sleep”
Fact: Newborns can’t be spoiled. During the first few months, babies rely on touch, warmth, and proximity to feel safe and calm. These sensory experiences regulate their nervous systems and support healthy brain development.
The idea of “spoiling” a baby comes from a time when emotional needs were often downplayed. Today, child development experts know better: responsive parenting builds resilience, not dependency.
“The more you respond to your baby’s needs early on, the more secure and independent they’ll become later.”
— Harvard Center on the Developing Child
Myth #2: “Contact Naps Prevent Babies From Learning to Self-Soothe”
Fact: Contact naps can coexist with self-soothing. In the newborn stage, self-soothing isn’t developmentally appropriate yet. Most babies start learning to self-soothe around 4 to 6 months.
As babies grow, you can introduce gradual sleep transitions without eliminating closeness. It’s not all or nothing—you can start by putting baby down drowsy but awake, while still using familiar nap routines.
Myth #3: “Contact Naps Lead to Long-Term Sleep Problems”
Fact: There’s no evidence that contact naps, by themselves, cause sleep disorders or chronic issues.
Yes, sleep associations can form (e.g., a baby expects to be held to fall asleep), but they can be gently adjusted over time. Many families use a mix of contact naps and crib naps successfully. And remember: contact napping isn’t permanent—it’s a phase.
Sleep challenges often arise from developmental leaps, teething, or illness, not just nap location.
Myth #4: “Contact Naps Are Unsafe”
Fact: When practiced mindfully, contact naps can be safe and nurturing.
To ensure safe contact napping:
- Nap only when you’re awake and alert (not on a soft couch or recliner).
- Use baby carriers designed for safe naps.
- Keep the baby’s airway clear and head upright.
- Avoid loose blankets or pillows.
If you’re ever too tired to stay fully alert, it’s safest to place your baby in a firm, flat sleep surface, like a bassinet or crib.
Myth #5: “You’ll Never Be Able to Do Anything Else”
Fact: Contact naps do limit mobility—but they can also become moments of rest or productivity.
You can:
- Use contact nap time for quiet activities (reading, journaling, listening to a podcast).
- Try babywearing for hands-free naps.
- Alternate between contact naps and crib naps to strike a balance that works for your lifestyle.
Also, this stage doesn’t last forever—most babies naturally grow into more independent sleepers within their first year.
When Contact Naps May Not Be Ideal
While contact naps are generally safe and beneficial, there are times when reevaluating makes sense:
- If you’re feeling burnt out, anxious, or physically strained
- If your baby wakes up every time you shift or put them down
- If you’re struggling to maintain a nap schedule or nighttime sleep
In these cases, it may be time to introduce more structured sleep routines or slowly reduce reliance on contact naps. (See: How to Transition From Contact Naps to Independent Sleep →)
So, Are Contact Naps Bad?
Absolutely not. In fact, they’re developmentally appropriate, emotionally supportive, and often just what your baby needs.
The key is to:
- Stay flexible with your sleep approach
- Observe your baby’s cues
- Prioritize safety
- Honor your own well-being, too
Contact naps don’t create problems—they just require thoughtful transitions when the time is right.
