Nap Hacks for Tired Moms

In a house full of kids, this ever-tired mom lives for nap hacks. It’s not always easy, but it is possible to sneak in a snooze amidst the chaos.

Nap Hacks for Tired Moms

• Kids getting up too early? While they’re sleeping, put something new & fun next to their bed for them to play with when they wake up, and gain a little extra zzz’s for yourself in the morning. (Ideas: Where’s Waldo Travel Collection, LEGO set, dress-up doll & clothes, Tegu Toys, or any of these other creative ideas. For toddlers & older babies, try a few soft toys or books.)

• Establish a “quiet time” during the day, where everyone picks non-noise-generating activities for an hour or so (we usually do this right after lunch, while the littlest goes down for a nap). You can even have a box of quiet toys set aside for this particular purpose, that they’re only allowed to play with during quiet time (so it makes these toys special). We also find it helpful to corral everyone to one room or part of the house so it’s easy to keep tabs (and snooze if needed).

• If worse comes to worse, grab a pillow (and/or blanket) and curl up in the middle of a closed-off play area while kiddos entertain themselves. Add some soft music for good measure, if you’re so inclined. Yes, they may crawl over you, but at least you know where they are, and you can rest your eyes for a bit.