How Did You Know When You Child Was Ready to Quit Their Naps?

Most kids need at least one nap until they are 4 yrs old. Usually that nap is 2-3 hours long. If he's getting less sleep and not being able to sleep at night, he might be lacking sleep rather than needing less. It's harder to fall asleep if he's been up too long during the day. Sleep begets more sleep! I'm not sure when you put him down for that nap. Try putting him down a half hour earlier to see if he'll sleep longer. Then put him down earlier at night. Kids tend to wake up the same time even if you put them down earlier. And they wake up earlier when you put them down later. Also, teething can interrupt naps and sleep at night. Molars tend to be more painful.

Good luck and I hope he gets more rest.

Usually the kids will buck when it's nap time. you'll know when they are ready somethimes just the time will change but they still will take a nap.
good luck

There's nothing better than a well-rested child. I think you'll know that he's done with his nap when he doesn't nap anymore during naptime, but an hour or so of quiet time during the day recharges their batteries and provides structure to their day, so there's no reason to be in a hurry to eliminate it entirely. Maybe you can slip his bedtime by 1/2 hour at night and then let him take 1/2 hour to settle down at night -- as long as he's content, some quiet time to process his day isn't a bad thing.

Hi K.,
I recommend "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" regarding sleep habits and needs. My daughter is 2 1/2 and doesn't nap every day but I still put her down to "rest" per her doctor. On days she doesn't nap, I put her to bed earlier. I have found when she goes to bed too late she has a hard time falling asleep and wakes up too early. She usually falls asleep before 7pm and I know I hit the right time when it takes her less than 30 mins to fall asleep. I also make sure her room is completely dark and use a white noise machine to drown out noises. The majority of children still need to nap at their age. You might try starting the nap a little earlier after getting outside for some play first thing in the morning. I also turn off the TV and darken the house a little about 30-45 mins before nap time.
Good luck,
L.

My son, who is now 4 1/2, would have napped much longer, but it got to a point where he was awake until 10 or 11 pm if he did nap, so I more-or-less forced him to give up the nap. Even half an hour messed up his bedtime. It was hard for several weeks - he wasn't cranky really, but we couldn't leave the house after about 3 o'clock or he'd fall asleep in the car. He was almost 3 when this was going on, and I'd much rather his sleep be at night 8pm to 8am.

Hi K.,

I had the same questions when my first daughter turned two and all the books said she would probably be dropping one her naps and going to one. She did not however and I did not feel she was ready. I found that she is one of those kids who needs lots of sleep. She was about 30 months when she was ready to go from two to one. I thought it was going to be the worst thing ever and dreaded a "longer" day, as I had a 9 mo old as well, however sort of the opposite started. Her naps went from two 1-1.5 hour naps to one 2.5-3 hour nap. This was bliss!! Also she started falling asleep at night and staying in her bed without a fight.

This sounds much like what you are seeing in your little one now and I think you should follow your instincts. Yes, the other ladies are correct in that naps are good but when they become better for you then for your child then it is time to reevaluate. There will still be days too where he will need two naps, or one nap and one quiet time hour.

Only you know your child best, so follow your instincts on this one. Good luck!

I love naps! I always enjoyed the time while my children were recharging I would scrapbook, clean, breath, and sometimes take a nap. I would let him take those naps for him and for you! My children took naps up to the time they started school and a little after.