Toddler Sleep Schedule

My daughter stopped napping at 2 1/2. There was a transition time period, where some days she'd need a nap, and others when she could hold out all day. If you see she is getting particularly tired, but she refuses to nap, try just having a bit of quiet time. This could be anything from listening to music & cuddle time, to laying on the sofa and popping in a movie for a bit. We still do this one sometimes: pile up all her fav stuffed animals in bed, crawl in and have storytime while she lays down with her animal friends. I've found that if you can at least get some "down time" out of them, they can hold off til the night.

We are going through a similar thing as well with my almost 3-year old. (I also have a 9 month old). What we are doing is trying a nap every day around 1 or 2pm, (whenever he seems to be getting a little tired) and I give him the "rules"- no toys, but he can look at books, and he needs to stay in his bed and stay nice and quiet. If he isn't quiet, saying I have to close the door usually quiets him down (he wants it open). Some days he doesn't nap, and I'll find him sitting up and playing after an hour or so, so I let him come downstairs. Other days he takes a 3 hour nap!! So we're definitely in a transition, and I just take it day by day. Some days he'll fall asleep when I lie with him. I know with a 3 month old that's not usually possible, but you could at least read a story (with the baby joining you) and then leave as normal (with the new quiet time/ nap time "rules"). Maybe this would be a good time to let her pick out a special naptime buddy stuffed animal or something too.
I wish you the best! and some midday rest!

Hi J.,
unfortunately don't have any magical advice, as I'm going through similar experience with my 3 year old (with infant in the house too). What kind of works for us is just having him nap some days but not others. I resisted this at first as i know kids thrive on schedule and expectation, but the all or nothing approach (no nap or attempt at nap) wasn't working (nor was quiet time as you mention). so i'm guessing maybe this is just rough period where we don't have a specific plan. :-)

My daughter also decided she didn't want to nap anymore once she turned 3. She's almost 5 now. There are some days that by midafternoon, I can tell she really needs a nap and she feels the same. I have a three yr old son also who hates napping, but desperately needs it. He doesn't stop moving otherwise. I put both of them in bed around 2pm. If they sleep, then great. If not, they at least calmed down for a little while. Maybe just try putting her to bed for a nap as you normally would, but lower your expectations as to whether she actually sleeps. If she doesn't, put her to bed around 8pm. Hopefully, she will give you a few more hours in the morning. Good luck!