The Messiness of Nap Transitions
May 21, 2024
Dropping naps may seem appealing, especially if getting your child to take a nap has been challenging. Fewer naps may mean greater freedom for your family, no longer tied to your child’s nap schedule.
Babies and young children develop so quickly, it almost seems like each day there’s a new development. Their schedules and routines are constantly changing, along with milestone achievements and environmental life changes like moving, new caregiver, starting school or camp. So much happens in those early years – it’s hard to keep up as parents.
And NAPS! Just when you think you’ve nailed down a great schedule, your child matures and suddenly protests naps.
While one sign is resisting nap time, you should also ask yourself:
- Does my child get enough overall sleep for their age?
- Is the sleep unfragmented and uninterrupted?
- Are they protesting nap for another reason?
- Developmentally, is it appropriate for my child to drop a nap?
- Can my child put themselves to sleep at bedtime and back to sleep during night wakings (without an adult’s support)? *If you answered NO here then call me!
IDEA:
Poor nighttime sleep may not be a result of too many naps.
I urge parents to look at the big picture. Ask yourself the questions above. Observe and pay close attention to your child’s sleepy cues and general sleep cycles.
RESOURE:
Check out my FREE Nap Guide to help you tidy up the mess of nap transitions.
Tip:
Remember the title of this newsletter? That’s right – dropping naps is messy. But, when we expect some messiness, we can be more flexible. Maybe that means trying something and tweaking it or making changes based on our observations of our child rather than what the book says.
If you’ve made the transition and things have gone awry, schedule a complimentary call and I’ll help you get back on track.