It's been a long morning, and you and your toddler could both use some rest. But your little one downright refuses to take his daily nap. You're both about to get really cranky! Instead of letting this nap strike ruin both of your afternoons, take this advice from a pediatrician and other moms who've dealt with nap resistance.
Avoid Naptime Battles
"There are some things parents have no control over. You can't force a child to eat and you can't force a child to sleep. Keep that in mind, so that it doesn't become a topic of control or a battle for kids.
"If your toddler is starting to get to the point where they don't take a nap, set up enough of a routine [in which they] have to have quiet time in their room with a book for an hour. Setting up that routine is important. And also allow some flexibility. They're starting to test a little bit with having some autonomy and making decisions of their own.
"It's tempting to get into a control battle. But it's likely that you're not going to win. Act like you don't really care and stick your ground about the quiet time. Also, tell your child to keep in mind that if he doesn't have a nap today, he might be tired later and need an earlier book time and bedtime tonight. Have kids understand the consequences, and be flexible enough to make it not a big deal." — Christina Johns, MD, MEd, FAAP, senior medical adviser, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, NY
Plan Lots of Morning Activity
"Toddlers don’t take naps when they’re not tired. Tire them out! Wake them up earlier, take them outside to play every day, and get and keep them on a schedule."
Don't Force It
"Don't drive yourself crazy stressing about it or trying 9 trillion different ways to make it happen. You’ll only make yourself and your little one miserable. Some kids aren’t nappers. Just try to find a low-key activity so their mind and body get a little downtime. (And so you do too!) Neither of my boys napped a lot but my daughter does!"
Make the House Quiet and Dim
"I'm currently studying to become a child sleep consultant. If your child is fighting naps, I suggest still making them lie quietly in bed and allowing them to read books. Some kids still may need a nap until they're 5! Stay consistent, keep the house quiet for them and their room dim, no playing with toys, and chances are they'll fall asleep anyways! Just don't let them sleep so late that bedtime gets messed up! If you have to put them down for nap earlier so they fall asleep at normal bedtime, try that too."
No Nap = More Nighttime Sleep
"My son stopped taking naps at around age 2. But then he would sleep for 13 hours at night. Now he’s in pre-K and they require a 'nap time.' I can tell the days he actually slept a little because he doesn’t wind down until super late. Our lives became actually more productive once he stopped taking naps. I could get all my stuff done during the day without having to worry about the time, and he went to be early and slept all night."
Consider Lying Down With the Child
"When it was nap time and my son was tired but just didn't want to take time out for a nap, I would tell him he didn't have to nap but Mommy was really tired and if he could just lie down with me and help me fall asleep, then he could go back and play. It worked every time! He thought he was helping me go to sleep when I knew within minutes he would be 'out' himself. The hardest part for me was having to get back up to get things done while he was still napping!"
Soothing Music May Help
"Tell them they don't have to take a nap, but they just need to rest for a little bit, then turn on some soothing music, put a blankie on them, and they will be napping in no time. It worked for my daughter."
Curb Your Expectations
"Don't expect them to nap and you will be pleasantly surprised when they do, instead of frustrated and disappointed when they don't."
Adjust Bedtime Accordingly
"Remember: They are trying to figure it out too. If they nap, great! If not, move bedtime earlier by 30 minutes at least. My toddler will go days without a nap and then gets back on schedule."
Read a Book Together
"Set a nap time and stick to it. If they won't sleep, then it's quiet time. We'd read in Mommy's bed, and usually they would pass out after reading."
*Disclaimer: The advice on Cafemom is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
