
Is there anything more adorable than babies truly sleeping like babies? From helicopters to shopping carts, eight Cup of Jo readers reveal the funny/sweet/unexpected places their babies have nodded off…
Above: “On a rafting trip in Oregon, my four-year-old dozed off while drifting down the Deschutes River to our next campsite. You wouldn’t guess it from the snapshot, but just a quarter of an hour prior, she was laughing with delight.” — Nicole
“When our son Jack was four months old, he napped on the changing pad. He was awake when I put him down, so it was amusing to see him drift off so quickly!” — Aveena Mathew
“We settled into a new home when Otis, our son, was one and a half, and he napped while we organized ourselves. We had set up just two things for him: his dinner bench and his books — everything else was in a state of box-induced chaos. Now Otis has a little brother, too. My kids aren’t the best sleepers, yet they are wonderful individuals. I believe it’s worth that exchange.” — Chloe Hall
“I spent too much of my eldest’s initial year (or years?) being anxious about naps and managing her sleep, so on our trip to India to visit my sister-in-law’s extended family, I worried about the flight and jet lag. Yet, for a baby who treated sleep as optional that entire first year, my daughter napped throughout the sightseeing tours. I wish I’d learned from that experience!” — Melina Gac Levin
“Our son Frank once nodded off on my lap while watching a parade! My favorite thing about wheelchair naps with the LapBaby carrier is that, despite not seeing his face, I could tell when Frank was snoozing by the way his body felt. Both my children love joining me on my chair and ask to climb on whenever they feel sad or frightened.” — Jessica Slice
“My son had a spell where he would nod off everywhere, even during snow tubing!” — Kali
“All four of my babies could — and would — fall asleep at mealtime (typically dinner) in this IKEA high chair.” — Kaitlan
“My son, Henry, can doze off anywhere! He’s napped through a helicopter ride over volcanoes, kayaking trips in the Puget Sound, and more meal times and shopping sessions than I’m able to count. We credit Mariners baseball games for making him flexible. To keep us grounded, our second child never naps anywhere but her bed.” — Katherine
Where has your baby ever fallen asleep in the most memorable place? Please share below…
P.S. Napping outdoors in Denmark, and what’s your child’s evening routine? (This made me chuckle.)
Title: Eight Readers Share Quirky Spots Their Babies Have Napped
Introduction:
Babies have an astounding knack for napping nearly anywhere, often leaving parents both charmed and amazed. Whether it’s the soothing hum of a vehicle or the unexpected coziness of a laundry basket, these tiny darlings can find rest in the most unconventional spots. We reached out to our readers to recount some of the most unlikely places where their little ones have dozed off. Here are eight enjoyable tales that highlight the delightful adaptability of babies when it comes to napping.
1. The Laundry Basket Rest:
One reader, Sarah, shared the moment her baby slumped into slumber in a laundry basket. After a hectic morning of folding clothes, she set her little one in the basket momentarily. To her surprise, the baby found the soft, warm laundry so soothing that they nodded off into a serene nap.
2. Grocery Cart Nap:
Jessica told a story of her baby’s unexpected nap in a grocery cart. During a routine visit to the store, her baby became enchanted by the bright lights and vibrant aisles, eventually drifting off in the cart, nestled among the groceries.
3. The Canine Bed Slumber:
Mark’s baby discovered an unusual napping spot in the family dog’s bed. After a lively morning, the baby crawled over to the snug dog bed and quickly fell asleep, much to the amusement of the family pet who kept watch over the little one.
4. Kitchen Floor Dreamtime:
Emily’s baby surprised her by dozing off on the kitchen floor. While Emily was busy preparing dinner, her baby, who had been playing nearby, simply lay down on the cool tiles and dropped off, undisturbed by the noise of cooking.
5. Swing Set Nap:
During a trip to the park, Rachel’s baby was captivated by the gentle motion of the swing set. Within minutes of swinging, the rhythmic sway lulled the baby into a profound sleep, much to the delight of observing parents.
6. Car Trunk Relaxation:
Tom shared a unique tale of his baby falling asleep in the trunk of their SUV. During a family outing, the baby crawled into the open trunk, surrounded by soft picnic blankets, and fell asleep, enjoying the fresh air and gentle swaying of the car.
7. Bookstore Serenity:
Anna’s baby found peace in the silent aisles of a bookstore. While Anna browsed through books, her baby, snug in a carrier, was lulled into slumber by the quiet atmosphere and the scent of new books, proving that even mundane places can be calming.
8. Garden Hammock Refuge:
Finally, Laura’s baby had a blissful nap in a garden hammock. The gentle sway and the sounds of nature provided the perfect setting for a peaceful sleep, as the baby lay cradled in the hammock’s embrace.
Conclusion:
These tales underscore the incredible adaptability of babies when it comes to discovering comfort and rest in peculiar places. Be it the warmth of a laundry basket or the gentle sway of a hammock, these little ones remind us that sometimes, the greatest naps happen in the unlikeliest locations. As parents, it’s a pleasure to witness these moments and cherish the distinctive memories they create.

