How to Know When to Give Up a Preschooler's Nap
A child who naps regularly is a parent's dream. Not all toddlers and preschoolers, however, are willing to lie down at the same time each day for a rest. Even good nappers cannot remain so forever. Each child is different when it comes to napping -- some children stop napping at age 2, while others continue until they are 4 or 5. Find what is best for your child and abandon nap time when he is ready. As long as your child is getting enough total sleep, he will have enough energy to get through his daily activities.
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Signs
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In some cases, preschoolers will let you know when they are ready to give up nap time for good. It is rare that a child will go from a full nap one day to none at all the next. Instead, watch for a gradual process as your child starts cutting back the amount of time she sleeps during her naps. Also watch for a child who starts skipping nap time or not falling asleep every few days. If your child gradually stops napping and still seems well-rested and happy during the day, she is probably ready to give up naps.
Observe Sleep Patterns
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Your child's sleeping patterns can help you determine whether he is ready to stop napping during the day. A preschooler should get between 10 and 12 hours of sleep each day. If your preschooler is getting significantly less than that at night, he probably needs to keep napping. Look for signs that your preschooler is not getting enough sleep, such as clinging to you and general grumpiness. If your child is full of energy at bedtime and doesn't want to go to sleep, this can be a sign that he is overtired and "wired."
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Maintain Consistency
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A preschooler who seems ready to give up naps might not be. It is important to maintain a consistent nap time each day. If nap times vary dramatically from day to day, you child might resist napping and appear to be ready to give up naps. In addition, make a comfortable and consistent space for your child to nap in. Include pillows, blankets, stuffed animals and anything else that will make her comfortable. Maintaining consistency will help you determine when your child is truly ready to give up napping.
Giving Up Naps
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When your child really seems ready to stop napping, it is best not to do away with the nap-time routine entirely. Replace nap time with quiet time. At the same time every day, place your child in a comfortable and quiet place with books, stuffed animals and dimmed lights. Help him play quietly for an hour or two; you can even read, talk and generally relax with him.
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References
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