If you’re a mum who’s ever done an Olympic-level tiptoe out of the nursery only for your baby to sense your absence like a Jedi and wake up screaming… girl, you’re in the right place.
You want the nap. You deserve the nap. And more importantly, your baby needs it so they don’t go full Gremlin by 5 p.m.
@thechelseydream This is how I get my baby to take the ultimate nap #nap #baby ♬ original sound – Chelsey Dream
Luckily, TikTok dad @thechelseydream just casually dropped the greatest nap tip of all time—and it’s so simple, you’ll want to kiss her forehead.
The Baby Was OUT. Like… Limp Noodle. Gone.
Picture this: baby in arms, eyes closed, neck supported, totally melted into dad’s chest like a warm jellybean. He didn’t just fall asleep—he ascended to another dimension.
It wasn’t a fluke. It was a method. And lucky for us, Mr. Wilson broke it all down in one of the most gloriously honest nap tutorials the internet has ever seen.
So obviously we turned it into a step-by-step guide. Because mums need receipts, not guesses.
Step 1: Nap Time Starts With the Feed (Timing = Everything)
We’ve all been told not to “feed to sleep.” But listen. Do you like going to bed hungry? Exactly.
Mr. Wilson’s first tip is gold: line up the nap with a feed. Don’t wait for the baby to pass out on the floor mid-cry. Prep for success.
If your baby usually eats around 3 p.m., you plan that nap like a military operation starting at 3:00 sharp. But here’s where the genius kicks in…
Step 2: Add Just 5ml Extra to the Bottle
That’s it. Not a secret ingredient. Not a $40 supplement. Just five extra milliliters of milk or formula.
Why? Because that tiny boost gives your baby that “oof, I’m full and kinda sleepy now” vibe. It’s like the last slice of cake you didn’t need but absolutely don’t regret.
So instead of your usual feed? Add just a splash more. The difference is wild.
Step 3: Burp Like a Boss. Then Keep Them Upright.
If you feed and immediately lay them down, congrats: you’ve booked them a one-way ticket to Reflux City.
Burp that baby like your sanity depends on it (because it does). Then—and this part matters—keep them upright for 15 to 20 minutes. No shortcuts.
During that time:
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Gentle bounce
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Light back pats
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Maybe a little baby wiggle rotation for funsies
You’re helping their tummy settle. You’re also lulling them into the next stage of nap readiness: The Zone.
Step 4: Swaddle If Needed, But Don’t Force the Burrito
Some babies are swaddle fiends. Others? They scream like you just wrapped them in betrayal.
If your baby’s into it, swaddle up. If not, skip it. The nap hack works either way. Just follow their lead. This is not the hill you want to die on today.
Step 5: Lay Them Down Like You’re Disarming a Bomb
Slow. Controlled. No sudden movements. No loud exhalation of relief. You move like a Disney princess placing a rose petal on a velvet pillow.
Lay the baby down. Step back. Don’t make eye contact. Back out of the room like you’re leaving a crime scene.
And when you close that door? Girl. Do. Not. Breathe.
Why This Hack Works (AKA: Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Us This Sooner?)
It’s not complicated. That’s the whole point.
This hack works because it aligns with everything your baby’s body is already trying to do:
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Full belly = sleepy brain
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Upright = no gas party
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Smooth transition = less cortisol spike
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You = relaxed because it actually freaking works
There’s no drama. No sleep training debate. No need for tracking apps and nap logs. Just logic and vibes.
The Nap Knockout Checklist (Print This, Tape It, Worship It)
Here’s the TL;DR version. Save it. Screenshot it. Tattoo it on your arm if needed.
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Feed right before the nap
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Add 5ml more than usual
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Burp like a pro
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Hold upright for 15–20 min
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Gentle back patting + slight movement
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Swaddle if your baby’s into it
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Lay down like a ninja
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Tiptoe away like your life depends on it
Credit Where It’s Due: @realmrwilson Is a Legend
Shoutout to the absolute MVP of TikTok, @thechelseydream, who gifted the internet this gold.
