Daytime periods of sleep are an integral part of your child’s day for the first few years of life. For some kids, they just can’t physically make it without a nap throughout the day. For others, going without rest can affect their mood and sleep habits at night.
Let’s be honest, kids having a nap is excellent. You get a small amount of time off to get things completed without interruptions.
There are broad recommendations around when your child should drop the nap. But it does vary from child to child. At the end of the day you will be the one who determines the appropriate time to make the transition.
However, there is a tremendous amount of information out there, and a lot of it is conflicting.
It’s simple. Your child will begin to show a handful of shifts in their sleeping habits. These shifts will be a sure indication it is time to start thinking about dropping the daytime nap!
So how will you know when your child is ready?
They can make it through the day with minimal behavior changes or meltdowns
This is usually the easiest to read. Once your child generally seems happy throughout the day without a nap, this tells you that they don’t necessarily need it for their emotional well-being. Sure, they may throw a tantrum in the middle of the day. Still, if there is a specific situation that contributes to a tantrum, chances are it isn’t related to lack of sleep.
Night-time sleep increase
When your child starts sleeping 12 hours consistently, rather than the usual 10 hours, this is a sign they are ready to rely on night-time sleep to fuel them during the day. If your child isn’t receiving sufficient sleep at night, they will need a midday nap. But if they are doing a solid 11 hours+, you can be sure they will be OK without a rest.
They don’t fall asleep during nap time.
Quiet time is encouraged for all children at some point in the day. But if your child rarely sleeps during this quiet time, it can be a sign their body no longer needs a nap.
They are in all-day school that doesn’t schedule naptime
As the child gets older, the option of nap time disappears due to day-care schedules. While it’s suggested that children still nap until at least the age of three, their bodies can adjust to new schedules if nap time is no longer an option. Be cautious though; just because they can adapt, doesn’t mean it is good for them to do it too early. Watch for signs of being overtired and irritable.
They keep up the energy throughout the day
Energy levels being kept high are the most prominent indicator when it comes to your child’s sleep. If your child is crashing – such as in the car, it is obvious they are not ready for no-nap days. If they can sustain adequate energy throughout the day, then it is time to think about giving it up.
Something to keep in mind – you may have high activity days when your child will be worn out. Let them sleep or at least have quiet time in those situations.
Ditching the daytime nap is meant to be a transition. But don’t make it an issue. There will be days when your toddler will still need a rest. It doesn’t mean there is something wrong.
It is essential to stay in-tune with your child’s moods and behaviors and let that drive your decisions, not any well-meaning advice from the mothers at your local playgroup.
Be prepared to adjust bedtime if needed to fit the child’s new schedule. Even though your child might be ready to drop the nap, they still might not be able to make 12+ hours of sleep.
Ultimately, you know what is best for your child. So, follow your instincts on whether now is a good time for your child to drop the nap or not.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://nanniesandkidsunited.com/mommy-and-me/
