When is it time to drop the nap for my toddler?

The age old question- is my toddler ready to drop the nap?!!? The age it happens varies, but typically most toddlers drop their nap between the ages of 2-5. From personal experience, my kiddo dropped his nap around age 4. The following are some signs that can help you decide if it is time to get away from the nap!

Your child is consistently refusing naps: If your child is fighting naptime and consistently refusing to nap, it may be a sign that they are ready to drop their nap. This may also be accompanied by an increase in nighttime sleep, indicating that your child is getting enough rest without the nap.

Your child is taking a long time to fall asleep at night: If your child is taking a long time to fall asleep at night, it may be a sign that they are no longer tired enough to need a nap during the day. This can lead to a later bedtime and disrupted sleep patterns.

Your child is staying awake during naptime: If your child is consistently staying awake during naptime, it may be a sign that they are no longer in need of a nap. This may also be accompanied by an increase in nighttime sleep, indicating that your child is getting enough rest without the nap.

Your child's age: As mentioned earlier, most toddlers drop their nap between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. If your child is approaching their fifth birthday and is showing signs of being ready to drop their nap, it may be time to start transitioning away from naps. If they are in a school setting, you may notice that they will not nap on the weekends at home.

If you think your child is ready to drop their nap, start by gradually reducing the length of their nap or pushing it later in the day. This can help your child adjust to the change more gradually. You may also need to adjust your child's bedtime to ensure they are getting enough sleep at night. Most kiddos after the age of 2 years old, require 11-12 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. If your kiddo takes a 2 hour nap (remember to cap naps at 2 hours), then they would probably only need 9-10 hours of sleep at night. Remember that every child is different, and it's important to watch for your child's individual signs of readiness before making any changes to their sleep schedule.

If you are having some toddler sleep regressions and need some help, set up a free 15 minute call with me and we can discuss how I can help you solve your problem!