Mastering Stroller Naps: A Sleep Consultant’s Guide to Naps on the Go During FIT4MOM Stroller Fitness Classes

stroller safety honolulu sleep consultant

Mastering Stroller Naps: A Sleep Consultant’s Guide to Naps on the Go During FIT4MOM Stroller Fitness Classes

September 1, 2025 FIT4MOM x Kaela Ashton from Sustainable Sleep Solutions

As a pediatric sleep consultant, I know how much effort goes into protecting your baby’s nap schedule. You’ve worked hard to establish healthy routines and now you’re ready to rejoin the world, connect with other parents, and squeeze in some self-care. Stroller fitness classes can be a fantastic way to do all of that. But what happens when class time overlaps with nap time?

Good news: naps on the go can be part of a healthy sleep routine and with the right strategies in place you can ease your mind.

1. Understanding Motion Sleep vs. Stationary Sleep

Motion sleep (napping in a moving stroller or car) can be lighter and less restorative than stationary sleep in a crib. That said, not all naps need to be perfect! Especially during the first year, flexibility is key.

If your baby gets one or two solid, crib-based naps each day, it’s okay for a third nap (or part of a nap) to happen in the stroller. In fact, stroller naps can offer a helpful bridge on days when life doesn’t go exactly as planned—which, let’s be honest, is most days.

2. Tips for Encouraging Stroller Sleep During Fitness Class

If you’re hoping your baby will nap during your workout, here are a few ways to increase your chances of success:

Time It Right
Aim to start your stroller fitness class right at the beginning of your baby’s nap window. If they’re already overtired, they may resist falling asleep, even in motion. Tip: get them in the stroller and moving around before class if you know its their ideal sleep time.
Create a Stroller Sleep Environment
Ensure shade from the stroller, a fan and maybe even a portable sound machine if that helps your baby.
Keep Baby Comfortable
Make sure your baby isn’t too hot or cold. Dress in breathable layers and consider using a portable stroller fan in hot weather (or just a diaper in the heat!)

3. Managing the Schedule: What If the Nap Was Short or Missed?

If your baby doesn’t nap well (or at all) during class, don’t stress. One off-nap won’t derail their sleep long-term. Here’s how to handle it:

Offer an Early Bedtime
A missed or short nap can usually be balanced by shifting bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes.
Cap the Next Nap
If your baby naps too long in the stroller and it’s pushing into the next scheduled nap or bedtime, consider gently waking them to maintain your overall routine.

Watch for Sleep Cues
Keep an eye on sleepy signs for the rest of the day. You may need to adjust nap timing slightly if their rhythms are a bit off.

4. Consistency Matters, but So Does Living Your Life

As a sleep consultant and mom of four, I’m a big believer in balance. Consistency builds healthy sleep habits, but real life isn’t always consistent. Your mental health, your social connection, and your physical well-being matter too.

If you’re attending stroller fitness once or twice a week and adjusting the nap schedule accordingly, your baby will adapt. What matters most is your overall pattern. Some days of the week will be different than others and thats okay!

5. When to Prioritize Crib Naps

If your baby is struggling with early wakeups, short naps across the board, or overtired behavior, it might be time to protect those crib naps more closely for a while. Use stroller naps as a backup rather than the norm until things stabilize.

If your baby thrives with their crib sleep, aim for one at least a day in the crib.

But if your baby naps well most days and handles occasional changes with ease, then stroller naps can absolutely be part of your routine.

That all said, sleep safety on the go is also important.

Stroller Nap Safety: What Every Parent Should Know

When your little one dozes off in the stroller during a fitness class or walk, it can feel like a win, but it’s important to make sure that nap is as safe as it is convenient. Here are my top safety tips for stroller naps:

1. Always Supervise Stroller Naps

Even if your baby is asleep and the stroller is parked or moving gently during class, you (or another trusted adult) must stay within sight and earshot at all times. Don’t leave a sleeping baby unattended in a stroller.

2. Ensure a Clear Airway

One of the most critical safety concerns with stroller sleep is positional asphyxia—when a baby's chin falls to their chest, restricting airflow. To prevent this:

Check that your baby’s head is supported and not slumped forward.
Recline the stroller seat as much as possible, especially for younger babies under 6 months.
Use approved infant inserts (if needed) that are designed for your stroller model.

3. Protect from Overheating

Strollers can trap heat, especially with covers or canopies pulled down. To prevent overheating:

Dress your baby in breathable, light layers.
Use a stroller fan or open vents if your stroller has them.
Avoid stroller covers, these prohibit air flow and create a sauna-like effect.

4. Be Mindful of Where You Park

If your baby falls asleep and you’re taking a break (for a coffee stop, chat, or cool-down stretch), be extra cautious about where you stop:

Park on level ground with brakes fully engaged.
Keep the stroller out of direct sun and away from high-traffic areas.
Never park near a pool, water source, or stairs without a barrier.

What About Car Seats on Strollers?

If your baby falls asleep in an infant car seat attached to a stroller:

Do not allow them to sleep in the car seat outside of the car for extended periods. Car seats are designed for safety in moving vehicles, not prolonged, unsupervised sleep. It is recommended to move them from the car seat position if asleep after 30 minutes, if not sooner.

Stroller naps can be a flexible and helpful part of your baby’s routine, especially when handled safely. Prioritize supervision, secure positioning, and temperature control, and your little one can nap on the go with confidence while you move your body and care for yourself.

Kaela Ashton is a Pediatric Sleep Consultant who is based out of O’ahu, Hawaii.

She works collaboratively with parents to help find sleep solutions that work for their little ones, birth through early adolescence. As a mom of four who is active with her family, Kaela helps families thrive through sleep in their daily lives.

FIT4MOM Members & Followers can receive 20% OFF their first consultation or any services through October 2025. Just mention FIT4MOM Honolulu upon contact.

Contact Kaela @ Sustainable Sleep Solutions