Toddler naps
Do you have a toddler who is getting ready to drop their nap? Or perhaps they’ve dropped it already. Sometimes it’s really confusing and hard to know if they’re really ready to drop the nap, but today I am going to help you figure it out.
Here’s the thing…
Every. Toddler. Is. Different. Some toddlers can handle life without a nap and you’ll wonder where they get their fuel from, and how they’re able to go it all day without a nap, while other toddlers will collapse to the ground kicking and screaming halfway through the day. If your toddler sounds like the second child, don’t worry…it’s normal for them to have somewhat of an adjustment period while they’re bodies get used to a no-nap schedule. What you need to know is that they all show different signs of readiness for dropping naps; some drop their nap overnight with minimal to no signs at all, and for others, it’s quite a process and a transition that happens over a period of time. Both scenarios are normal and it’s especially helpful to familiarize yourself with your child’s signs of readiness for dropping the nap to better help them with that transition.
When do toddlers typically drop their nap?
The exact age for when toddlers drop their naps varies depending on their age, whether they go to school or not, how they sleep at night, etc…Many toddlers at the age of 2-2.5 start resisting their naps and even drop them altogether, but according to the Sleep Foundation, the average age for when they drop their nap completely is between the age of 3-5. Most 3-3.5 year olds are still taking naps and 60% of four year olds are still taking naps, but at that age I do not believe they need that much daytime sleep anymore, if any at all. I do find that at that point, and even earlier for many toddlers, the nap really starts to affect their nighttime sleep and their ability to fall asleep at bedtime.
Signs that your toddler is ready to drop their nap:
They’re not falling asleep for nap time.
They’re not falling asleep at bedtime, even after pushing bedtime later.
They’re waking up in the middle of the night or too early in the morning.
They are functioning well throughout the day without a nap and are able to make it till bedtime without it.
They have consistently not been napping at all.
Your little one is suddenly waking up very early in the morning.
The nap has become shorter and shorter on its own.
Your child may experience sudden middle of the night wakings.
So how do I help my toddler transition to a no-nap schedule?
Implement quiet time
If the nap is disrupting their overall sleep, I usually recommend implementing a period of quiet time for your toddler. This quiet time can take place in the afternoon, late morning, or whenever you see your child is starting to melt down or become very drowsy. The purpose of this so-called quiet time is to help them unwind, decompress from all the stimulation and rest instead of actually falling asleep - and yes, this quiet time is very effective and restful for active toddlers who are busy and on the go from the moment they wake up in the morning. Let’s get real, even adults need some sort of break or down time during the day.
Offer an occasional nap
Some toddlers will benefit from occasional naps here and there if they’re having a hard time without the nap. With this child, you’ll need to take it day by day to decide whether they need a nap that day or not. This transition can go on for a few months or even a few weeks depending on your toddler’s sleep needs and their overall schedule. Be patient, this is normal and your child will get there; He may just need some extra time adjusting to a no-nap schedule.
Adjust bedtime earlier
I also recommend adjusting their bedtime earlier for the time being to prevent over-tiredness at bedtime. If your toddler has dropped their nap and is showing sleepy signs an hour earlier than their usual bedtime, go ahead and put them down an hour earlier! You don’t want an overtired toddler on your hands at bedtime or you may find yourself dealing with a lot of crankiness, unnecessary crying, nighttime wakings or even early morning rising from being overtired. They will sleep the same amount as they usually do and oftentimes even better. Trust me on this one.
Keep in mind:
If you have decided that your toddler is ready to drop their nap and you’re offering quiet time, and they’re is still not functioning throughout the day, crying and an absolute train-wreck at bedtime no matter what you do, even after trying to wean them from their nap, then they may not be 100% ready to drop it- and that’s where this child will really benefit from a very a short, itty-bitty bite-sized nap to help them get through the day. They may even need a nap once or twice a week to help catch up on some sleep and adjust easier into a no-nap schedule.
The Bottom line:
If you’re at a crossroads with your toddlers nap and you’re not sure how to proceed or what to do, go over the signs I listed above and evaluate whether keeping the nap causes way too many sleep disturbances and has more cons than pros or if the opposite is true. Remind yourself that it’s a process, an adjustment that your toddler will get used to overtime, and it’s normal if they still needs a bit of sleep here and there to help them get through; It’s also normal if they does have meltdowns and if it does take their bodies time to adjust. You’re the mom and you know best, your best bet is to use your judgment to decide if your child needs a nap or not and go from there.
What was your experience with your toddler’s nap? When did they drop it?
