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Napping can be a tough spot in the daily routine of any parent. As infants grow into toddlers they yearn for more control over their environment. Sometimes children decide that they no longer wish to take naps and do everything they can to avoid them. This can be frustrating and confusing to any parent. Some children aged four and five years old may no longer need to nap but this will vary from child to child. Parents may look forward to nap time because they need the downtime themselves. Parents of very active children need naptime to get chores done or to simply just breathe.
Why are naps important?
Sleeping is very important for a growing child. While we sleep our bodies do a multitude of important things. Our muscles will heal themselves from daily wear and our bodies release growth hormones while we are sleeping. Children under the age of five are going through incredible growth and they need the extra sleep. Our brains file away and store information while we are sleeping. It is believed that we don't actually learn anything until we lie down to sleep and our brains have had a chance to sort through and store the information.
How much sleep does my child need?
It is important to remember that all children are different. Each different child will require a different amount of sleep. As a general guideline all kids up to age five should nap each day. If they cannot sleep they should at least have some quiet time. Children who are two years old generally need 12 to 15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. One to three hours of this time should be a daytime nap. Children aged three years require the same amount of naptime with the total for the day being 11 to 14 hours. Four and five year olds will need a total of 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day including any nap they may take.
What can I do if my child refuses to nap?
This will depend on their age. If you notice your child is grumpy and cranky near late afternoon, they should definitely be taking a nap. A five year old that wakes up easily in the morning and seems well rested may no longer be in need of a daily nap. It depends on the child. If your child is using naptime as a way to assert their independence, there are a few things you can do to get them to sleep.
When it is naptime let them know that they are now expected to sleep. Try to make it the same time each day. Have a small routine in place such as using the restroom and getting their favorite stuffed animal into the bed with them. Tuck them in and tell them you will see them after naptime. Then you should leave the room. If the child repeatedly gets up after you have put them down, calmly take their hand and return them to their bed. Do not let them argue with you. Remind them that it is naptime and that they may talk to you after their nap. If you calmly and quietly walk them back to bed each time they wake up, they will soon realize that you are serious. If they are older and seem to be having a real tough time sleeping during the day, let them know it's ok to stay awake but they need to remain quiet and calm. Even if they aren't sleeping they will benefit from the quiet time.
What else can I do?
If your child is refusing naptime, explain to them why they need a nap. They may argue with you but let them know this is not negotiable. Always be calm no matter how many times they may try to get up. Turn off all televisions and radios before laying them down for their nap. A child may sometimes refuse to nap just because they feel they are missing out on all the fun. The quieter and calmer the household is before naptime, the easier it will be to get them to sleep. Once they are in their room try to keep all noise to a minimum if possible.
Never make naptime a punishment. This will give naps a negative connotation in the child's mind and you will never get them to nap properly. If it is feasible to do so, keep all toys out of your child's bedroom. If you have a large enough house a playroom is a great idea. Out of sight is out of mind. If this is not possible try to have all toys put away so they are not tempting to the child.
Have blinds and dark drapes for their bedroom. The darker the room is at naptime the more likely they are to go to sleep. Sunlight is a stimulant and will keep them awake. A small fan or a white noise machine might be a good idea if you live in the city or any other noisy place. Traffic and general daytime noises may keep your child awake.
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