Toddler Sleep Schedule

Updated on April 30, 2008
J.P. asks from Glendale Heights, IL
4 answers

My daughter has been a great sleeper on a great schedule until she turned 3. Until recently, she was taking a 2-3 hour afternoon nap. But then it was getting hard for her to go to sleep in the afternoon, and the naps got later and later, which meant she couldn't fall asleep at night. I would hear her talking in bed at 11PM! So, I thought I'd try eliminating the nap and putting her to bed very early, like 7 PM (I also have an infant in the house). It kind of worked for a few nights, but lately it's gone horribly wrong. Last night she passed out before 6PM and woke up at 4:45 this morning. She's not just awake either- she's full of energy and wants to talk and bounce around. Not what I'm in the mood for after being up feeding the baby overnight. It seems like her behavior has changed since we started the no nap transition too- more tantrums and acting hyper (unless that's from having the baby here). She also won't do the "quiet time" in the middle of the day, as many people suggest. She thinks it's a punishment if she has to stay in one room without any company. Does anyone have advice about this? Should I try to make her nap, or continue to try to get her on a good overnight schedule? How much sleep does a 3 yr old need? I feel like she doesn't get enough (and neither do I!) Please help!

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M.C.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

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!

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A.C.

answers from Chicago on

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. :-)

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C.C.

answers from Chicago on

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!

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