When Your Toddler Won’t Nap
The world becomes an increasingly intriguing place to be as your toddler grows. New experiences excite the senses and keep toddlers going full-speed ahead even when they would be better served by taking a nap.
However, regardless of your toddler’s resistance, naps are an important part of their growth and development until they are three or four. Several measures can be taken to help keep naps a part of the daily schedule until toddlers have outgrown their need for them.
- Don’t Schedule Activities During Nap Time
- Be Consistent – Have Nap Time at the Same Time Every Day
- Establish a Nap Routine Similar, but shorter, to your Evening Bed Time Routine
- Leave Your Child in their Bed or Crib for One Hour and Don’t Visit Them During this Time.
If your child has not fallen asleep after one hour, get them up and plan for a long afternoon. Then, put them to bed a bit earlier then usual.
Reference: Sleep Concerns: Won’t Nap
Reference: How to Help Your Toddler Nap
This entry was contributed by Amy Leigh.
April 24th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I know how nap time can be..a hassel!! My son is 2 and likes to refuse his naps! But, I put him in his room and if he sleeps, fine. If he just plays, that ok too! Rest is important..otherwise, you have nothing but tantrums on your hands!!!
April 24th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
My son has always been a good sleeper but his daytime naps have tapered off in the last year (he is now two and a half). Routine is important but eventually they know when they need a rest themselves although my son only naps a couple of times a week and at his age it can be hard to get them to sleep because there is so much to do but he knows that when I tell him to go for a sleep, it is quiet time and more often than not he will nod off. However, that is because we have a certain routine combined with the fact that he loves his sleep!
May 19th, 2007 at 3:02 am
This is really great advice! I can imagine how easy it would be to get frustrated when grizzly toddlers simply won’t nap. I’m sure parents will benefit from putting your tips into practice.