How Moms Can Make the Most of Baby and Toddler Naptime

Pay attention to your baby's sleep cycle and your energy level to get the most out of each naptime. Pantley says, "Set your schedule based on your own bio-rhythm. If you typically have more energy in the morning use that time to tackle more complex or physical activities, before you lose your steam for the day."

The morning nap means time to freshen-up for Clare. "I get dressed and ready for the day," she says. "I shower at night, so I just need 10 minutes to brush teeth, throw on make-up and put hair up. Then I try to do my 30-minute yoga video."

For Aurora, mother of three girls, from Spokane, WA, the morning nap is already time to prep for dinner. "[The afternoon] is a very fussy period for all three of my babies, so getting dinner ready can be really hard. When I started to prepare dinner during their morning nap time, life improved."

For Rookie Moms author Flett, the morning nap meant time to get ready. "When our children were still taking two (or more) naps, the window after the morning nap is the time to get the heck out of the house." Flett spent nap-time packing diaper bags and confirming plans. "When your baby wakes up, you can bolt."

Other moms find the afternoon most productive. "I make lunch and eat while checking email and looking at news online," says Sara, a mother of two who works from home. "Then I work on chores and take care of business things like making calls, getting leads."