Toddler Nap Time

Let’s talk about toddler nap time! Naps become fewer and farther between as our little ones grow older. Typically, around 15 to 18 months of age, we have one naptime a day. When your little one begins to refuse naptime, we introduce what we call the “Nap Opportunity.”

What is a Nap Opportunity?

A Nap Opportunity is where we set aside time each day (preferably the same time each day) for the same amount of time. They may have time that they cry, play or sleep, but we want to set aside some time each afternoon where they have some downtime of the daily activities. 

In reality, they may not be able to get to sleep each day, which is okay.

What are the main things you should know about toddler nap time?

• Consistency is Key!
  • Naps tend to be more consistent when nighttime is on track.
    • The afternoon nap is the one that remains when we move to one nap a day. We will try and start no later than 2 PM.
    • You can find Typical Day Schedules for your toddler in the Moms on Call Toddler Book, Toddler Online Course, and The Scheduler App.
  •  It is best to stay out of their way and give them time to sleep, talk, play and doze again.  Shoot for 1-1 1/2 hours and if sleeping no longer than 3 hours max. 
  • If they do not sleep, bedtime stays at the same consistent time each evening.
    • We do not make up for lost sleep.
• Stay Confident
  • At the start of a nap, we say, "It is time for a nap. You will be the best napper ever!"
    
    • Say it with a confident face, and do just that!
      
• Sleep Environment
  • Safety first! Be sure your little one’s room is completely childproofed.
  • We recommend a dual-firmness crib mattress.
  • White noise machine on and loud enough to hear on the other side of the door.
    • Placement is 12-24 inches from the head of the bed.
  • The ideal room temperature is 68-72ºF.

Did you know?

• When our toddlers hit big developmental milestones, this can often affect sleep. As a result, we will have an occasional week of interrupted sleep at nap time as your toddler reaches certain developmental milestones.
  • This will sort itself out!
  • Please look at our tips for a BIG milestone, which we typically see around age two, Language Explosion.
• Toddlers learn and develop individually.
  • We’ve developed a tool to help assist with their specific design. The S.M.A.R.T Paradigm! What does it stand for?
    • Social, Movement, An Engineer, Rule Follower, and Touch.
  • Take the Toddler by Design quiz and find additional tips specific to your toddler’s design for sleep (and so much more).
  • Engineers’ designs often have the most challenging time sleeping during naps. So here is a peek into each design.
• It can take a solid nine days to drop the morning nap.
  • This can be tricky, and we’re here to help navigate this new norm.
  • You can find the keys to success in our How to Drop the Morning Nap post.

For more tips, like managing, sleeping, feeding, tantrums, hitting/biting, the “no” stage, potty training, and so much more, check out the Moms on Call Toddler Online Video Course, which includes simple ways to communicate with your toddler in a way that brings out the best in them!