How to Get a Toddler to Take a Nap

If your toddler is resisting the afternoon nap, you're not alone. Toddler sleep problems are a common complaint among parents. While toddlers may resist sleep, most experts agree that toddlers need a daily nap. If your toddler is not taking his daily nap, try the following steps.

Instructions

1. Observe your toddler for a week or two. Watch for signs of fatigue to determine what time of day is optimal for your toddler's nap. Most toddlers, aged 18 months to 3 years, will take one nap in the afternoon.

2. Plan some calming activities that you can do each day before nap. If your toddler naps in the early afternoon, then you may want to give her a light lunch, play calming music, and read a book before the nap.

3. Create a daily picture schedule for your toddler. Include nap time and the activities preceding nap on the schedule. This provides structure and predictability. If your child is in daycare, talk to them about creating a similar schedule.

4. Require your toddler to nap in the same place he sleeps at night. If your toddler is in daycare, then provide a sleeping mat and perhaps a stuffed animal from home.

5. Use room-darkening blinds or liners to block the light in your toddler's room.

6. Discourage your toddler from sleeping in the car or stroller. Even a 10 minute cat nap can recharge a toddler enough that she won't take her regular nap.

7. Allow your toddler to have quiet time instead of nap time if it is clear that he does not require an afternoon nap. Quiet time can include dim lights, calm music and some books or coloring. Quiet time will become more common than nap time as your toddler ages.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that each child is different. Some children require more sleep than others. There are a few toddlers that don't need any naps. While this can be completely normal, talk to your health care provider at your child's annual visit to rule out a toddler sleep disorder.

• Resist the temptation to schedule activities during or close to your toddler's nap.

• Use a digital camera to create your picture schedule. Sneak a picture of your toddler napping to include on the schedule.

• Don't punish your child for not taking a nap. This is likely to make her dislike napping even more. Instead provide verbal praise when your toddler wakes from a nap.

• Don't put your toddler in his crib or bed for any reason other than to sleep.