It’s fascinating (and frustrating!) watching your baby’s sleeping patterns. When they are newborn, you may worry about them because they are sleeping so much, but this is entirely normal and healthy. With time, your baby sleeps less and less, but still sleeps a lot. Toddlerhood means your child will drop naps. They may go from three naps a day to two and then one. Then, they drop it altogether and have a sleep schedule we are all familiar with.
You may wonder when your toddler is ready to stop napping. After a year old, your baby will nap less and less, going from six to two, then from two to one at the 15-month range or so. You must remember that every toddler is different, and some may drop their naps earlier or later.
So when does the toddler stop dropping naps? On average, preschool age. That’s quite a long time! Around 3-4 years is when they do so on average.
But again, everyone is different. Some toddlers will be energetic and drop their naps in their twos. Some may be well past the kindergarten age before they stop dropping naps. It’s completely normal, and it’s okay. Do not rush, dropping their naps. Instead, look for the signs and make sure that your toddler is ready to drop napping.
Signs Your Toddler Is Ready To Drop Napping Altogether
Because the age range a toddler stops napping is so inconsistent, you need to look for the signs. What are some notable signs? Well, we are glad you asked. Let’s take a look at them.
- They’re Having A Hard Time Napping
The most straightforward sign is that they don’t want to nap. They may refuse naps or have some trouble falling asleep. When it’s naptime, they just don’t want to do it.
Them struggling to nap is something that needs to happen for a few weeks. There is a chance it may be a false positive. Some days, your toddler may just have trouble sleeping, but still enjoy naps. Life is odd and throws you curveballs when it comes to an otherwise consistent sleep schedule. But if your child is consistently refusing the nap, then it may be time to drop it.
- They Nap Well, But Can’t Fall Asleep At Night
On the other hand, your toddler may be able to nap, but when it comes to their bedtime, they are up well past it. This may be a sign that they’re ready to just sleep at night. Your toddler may be able to stay up all day and then fall asleep at night. Again, this is something that needs to happen for a few weeks.
- Your Toddler Can Handle Skipping Naps
When your toddler skips a nap, they aren’t cranky or angry at you. Instead, they’re fine. This can be a sign they are ready to drop naps altogether, but again, consistency. Some days, your toddler is naturally more energetic, and you may see a false positive. Don’t drop until you’re sure they can handle it.
- Your Toddler Isn’t in the Middle Of A Major Life Change
For babies and toddlers, they handle transitioning if they’re not in the middle of something else. If your child has started preschool, it’s not the best time to transition from one nap to no nap at all. If you’re on vacation or moving, not a good time to do so. Make sure nothing is going on in their life.
How To Transition Gracefully
If your baby is ready to drop napping, here are some ways you can do so.
- Every Baby is Different
Some toddlers handle dropping naps with ease. You can quit it cold turkey, and your baby can handle that without a care in the world. Meanwhile, other babies are a bit pickier. They may have all the signs but aren’t ready to drop the nap. Instead, you have to pull the nap away from them gradually.
- Reduce Naptime
When it’s naptime, but your baby can’t sleep, instead let them unwind and have them nap a little bit less. Don’t force sleep, but instead allow them to play in a comforting way, such as reading a book to them, giving them relaxing toys, or letting them listen to some music.
Reduce the length of the nap by 10 minutes or so every week, and soon the nap can be gracefully dropped. You won’t have to worry about an angry child or a frustrated parent.
- Be Consistent
The essential rule when you’re dropping naps is to be consistent. If you make your child nap at inconsistent times, it can make it harder for them to fall asleep. However, by keeping a regular schedule and making gradual changes, it reduces their chances of regression. Regression can happen either way, but this helps reduce it.
- Positive Reinforcement
It’s always important to show your toddler how much you care about them by rewarding them or praise whenever they are making changes to their napping schedule. A bit of positive reinforcement encourages a child as they continue their naptime journey. Dropping naptime is hard; even as adults, you probably realize this. There are days where you’re dragging, and you just need a nap, yet the show of life must go on.
Remember, Late Blooming Is Okay
There is no reason why you have to worry if your child is five and still napping. Most preschool and kindergarten programs allow for naptime, as they know that some kids aren’t done napping just yet. As we keep stressing, never force a change. You’re just going to be left with an angry child and a frustrated parent! Instead, let it come naturally and encourage healthy rest for growing children.
Conclusion
Toddlers can take a long time to drop naps, with some of them not even toddlers by the time they drop the nap. Sleeping is essential in toddlerhood and early childhood, so drop it when they’re ready for it.
FAQs On When Do Toddlers Stop Taking Naps
When do toddlers stop taking naps?
Toddlers stop taking naps when their preschool years start. This is when they may not have time to rest during the day.
How long should a 2-year-old nap for?
The length of a 2-year-old’s nap depends on how much they sleep at night. Generally, though, rest should not last more than a couple of hours.
How do you know when your child is ready to stop napping?
You will know when your child is ready to stop taking naps if they cannot fall asleep at night because of it. They may also avoid it altogether, and that’s OK.
Is it OK for a 2-year-old not to nap?
Yes, it is OK for a 2-year-old not to nap. In truth, it is when do toddlers stop taking naps.
How much sleep does a 2.5-year-old need?
A 2 and a half-year-old kid needs less than a couple of hours of sleep. It may be less, considering the child sleeps a lot at night.
Should I let toddler cry it out for naps?
Yes, sometimes you should let your child cry it out for naps. You can leave them in their crib for less than 30 minutes to see if they will fall asleep again.
What is a good sleep schedule for a 2-year-old?
A 2-year-old should sleep between nine and 12 hours at night. Their nap should take place a few hours before bedtime.
Is it OK to wake up the toddler from a nap?
Yes, it is OK to wake up your toddler from their nap. That is especially true if they have been napping for an hour in the morning.
What do you do when the baby doesn’t nap?
When your baby doesn’t nap, you can get them ready hours before it’s supposed to happen. For instance, you can give them a warm bath, close the curtains, and turn on the lullabies or baby sound machine.
Why do toddlers stop napping?
Toddlers stop napping because they are probably too tired or not tired at all during the day. They also avoid naps when they get too much rest at night.
How do you get an overtired toddler to nap?
Sticking to a sleep routine is necessary to get an overtired toddler to nap. When you put them to bed at the same time during the day, play their favorite lullabies, and freshen them up, they will be able to take a nap.
Do you use the Ferber method for naps?
Yes, you can use the Ferber method for naps. However, be consistent with it all the time.
What is a good nap time for toddlers?
Toddlers should nap in the afternoon. Try not to make them sleep past 3 p.m., though, to make sure that they can still follow their bedtime schedule.
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Last Updated on June 25, 2022 by Jejomar Contawe
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