Don't Drop That Nap! Why Your Third Nap is Your Secret Weapon In Baby Sleep (School Holidays Rebroadcast)

Don't Drop That Nap! Why Your Third Nap is Your Secret Weapon In Baby Sleep (School Holidays Rebroadcast)

Author: Sally Woods and Bec Maher October 1, 2025 Duration: 27:18

Is your 6-9 month old waking up too early? Parents assume that dropping the third nap will improve their baby's sleep - but it often backfires.

In this episode, Nap Trapped sleep consultants Sally and Bec break down why holding onto the third nap is crucial for better nights. Through real case studies and expert strategies, they share how to structure naps to avoid early rising, overtiredness, and bedtime battles.

Whether you're struggling with false starts, 4 AM wake-ups, or short naps, this episode will help you adjust your baby's schedule with confidence.Want to subscribe to every ep and enjoy FREE sleep tools? 👉 www.naptrappedpodcast.com


⏰ JUMP TO...0:25 Welcome to Nap Trapped1:43 Why the third nap matters5:48 Case study: Sarah & Oliver's 4 AM wake-ups12:42 Signs of dropping the nap too early16:06 How to structure the perfect schedule19:07 Making the third nap work (even if it's tricky!)22:53 When to actually drop the nap25:41 Real-life success stories🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS• Why dropping to two naps too early can backfire• How to cap naps strategically to keep the third nap• Signs your baby is truly ready for two naps• Practical solutions for making the third nap happen• Why the third nap is your "insurance policy" against overtiredness🎙️ ABOUT NAP TRAPPEDHosted by sleep consultants Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep Centre), Nap Trapped helps tired parents solve baby sleep challenges with warmth, evidence, and no judgement. Every week we turn your questions into practical solutions—with a side of Aldi chocolate.Links📩 Get updates + exclusive tools: Subscribe www.naptrappedpodcast.com📸 Follow Sally & Bec on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesleepconcierge/

https://www.instagram.com/_thesleepcentre/


🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts


Ever found yourself stuck on the couch, scrolling in the quiet, while your little one finally sleeps? You're not alone, and that's exactly where Nap Trapped finds its groove. Hosted by Australian sleep consultants Sally Woods of The Sleep Concierge and Bec Maher from The Sleep Centre, this podcast meets you in that exhausted, sometimes isolating space. It’s a direct conversation between two experts who are also mums, blending solid, evidence-based strategies with the real-world chaos of family life. They break down the 'why' behind restless nights and short naps, moving beyond rigid rules to offer adaptable, practical solutions that actually fit your day. The tone is all solidarity and zero judgment, recognising that every family's sleep journey is different. You'll hear honest stories, debunk common myths, and get actionable advice that aims to bring more rest to your household, not just your baby. Tune into Nap Trapped for a genuinely helpful mix of professional insight and relatable commiseration, all delivered with a warm, Aussie sensibility. It's the kind of podcast you listen to while you're, well, nap trapped, and finish feeling equipped and understood.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 84

Nap Trapped
Podcast Episodes
How to Tackle Early Rising - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:36
Get subscriber-only content + free bonus resources from this episode: https://naptrapped.beehiiv.com/Early rising is one of the most frustrating baby sleep issues—and chances are, you’ve Googled it at 4:57 AM. In this ep…
Wondering where to start with sleep training? Nights or naps? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:43
Sally and Bec unpack why starting at bedtime is more than just convenient, it’s strategic.They explain how overnight learning accelerates sleep progress, why tackling everything at once can backfire, and how to build con…
How To Survive The 8 Month Sleep Regression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:37
Get the EXACT schedules we share for FREE here: https://naptrapped.beehiiv.com/p/surviving-the-8-month-sleep-regression-without-losing-your-mindIs your baby suddenly waking overnight, skipping naps, or extra clingy? The…
The Perfect Bedtime Routine: Why It Matters More Than You Think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:32
Join the over 2,900 well-rested parents in our Nap Trapped Community -> ⁠Sign Up for Free⁠.Is a consistent bedtime routine really that important? The science says yes — and in Episode 9 of Nap Trapped, Sally Woods (The S…
Why Your Baby’s First Nap Should Be at 9:30am [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:37
Join the over 2,900 well-rested parents in our Nap Trapped Community -> Sign Up for Free.A 9:30am nap might sound oddly specific, but it could be the key to fixing early rising, shifting wonky schedules, and creating con…
When to Move to a Big Bed (And Why You Might Want to Wait) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:38
It’s one of the most exciting milestones in toddlerhood, but is it really time to ditch the cot? In Episode 7 of Nap Trapped, Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep Centre) break down everything you n…
The Self-Settling Episode: What It Really Means and Why It Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:05
“Self-settling” is one of the most misunderstood concepts in baby sleep—but it might also be the most important. In Episode 6 of Nap Trapped, Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep Centre) unpack the…
The Snoo Debate: Is It Worth It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:08
The Snoo Smart Bassinet has become a go-to for many parents desperate for more sleep but is it really the miracle it claims to be? In Episode 5 of Nap Trapped, Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep C…
Fast Five for Newborn Sleep: Top Tips for the Fourth Trimester [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:31
In this bite-sized, rapid-fire episode, Sally and Bec share their top five newborn sleep tips for the fourth trimester (0–3 months). From the best swaddle on the market to why you should start watching wake windows early…
Why We Don’t Recommend Feeding to Sleep (And What to Do Instead) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:15
Feeding to sleep is one of the most common (and comforting) baby sleep habits. But what happens when it stops working? In Episode 3 of Nap Trapped, Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep Centre) break…