Motherhood is a beautiful journey — but it can also feel like an endless whirlwind. The constant demands, the mental load, the busy days stretching into busy nights — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and drained. And yet, amid all this movement, rest can feel like a luxury, or even something to feel guilty about.
For me, as a first-time mom, finding time to rest was incredibly hard. I was trying to wear so many hats at once — cooking, cleaning, folding laundry, breastfeeding my son, keeping up with myself, and healing my body after birth. I remember one day, walking down to the basement to get clothes, and realizing I was still bleeding. It was raw and real. I honestly thought I was returning to my normal life, but deep down, I knew I wouldn’t ever be the woman I was before having children. The way I lived, cared, and rested had changed forever.
But here’s the truth: rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity — for both our little ones and for us as moms. Quiet moments, those pauses in the day when your child is sleeping for their daily nap, hold incredible power. They are rhythms of renewal that recharge our bodies, minds, and hearts.
As my son’s naps have shifted—from three naps a day when he was a baby to just one longer nap now as a toddler—I feel both gratitude for the quiet moments and a little unprepared for the next phase when naps will eventually fade away altogether. That transition can be hard for moms who rely on those restful pockets for their own self-care.
Understanding and honoring your child’s sleep schedule is vital. Babies and toddlers thrive on predictable routines that help regulate their moods, energy, and overall development. Here’s a general guide that I found helpful:
-
Baby Sleep Schedule (0-12 months): Multiple naps totaling 3-5 hours a day, with 12-16 total hours of sleep, including nighttime. Typical naps range from 30 minutes to 2 hours each.
-
Toddler Sleep Schedule (1-3 years): Usually 1-2 naps totaling 1-3 hours a day, with 11-14 hours of total sleep including nighttime. Most toddlers transition to one nap by 18 months.
By respecting these rhythms, we not only support our children’s growth but also carve out moments for ourselves to rest. Those quiet naps become an essential lifeline—a chance to breathe, reflect, and recharge.
So, how do we embrace this restful rhythm amid the noise? Start small. Tune into your child’s natural pauses and create intentional moments for yourself—whether it’s sipping tea in silence, reading a few pages of a book, or simply closing your eyes for a minute. These small acts of self-care ripple out, bringing peace to your home and soul.
Remember: resting is not selfish. It’s a radical act of love—love for yourself and for your child. By honoring these quiet moments, you build resilience, patience, and joy.
In the gentle rhythm of rest, we find space to heal, recharge, and grow—as mothers, and as the nurturing centers of our families.
