DD dropping nap. Baby due this week!

NicoleWI

Darn, what timing! I think DD is dropping naps, and we're expecting baby #3 this week. DD turns 4 in Jan. She used to nap GREAT--like 2.5 hours--but started not sleeping on the weekend very well when I was home. Just in the last week or so, it seems most days she's fighting it or playing in her room the whole time w/out sleeping. BUT, she's CRABBY at night. I think she kind of needs the nap but it's just not happening any more.

Do you think that's it for naps? How do you make this transition? We're thinking of still continuing to do the nap routine for the next few weeks, and if she doesn't sleep, she can "play quietly in her room" for about 2 hours (pretty much what she's doing now). Maybe some days she will still sleep?

I wish this nap change didn't coincide with the new baby arriving this week!!!

rsd12

The transition when they drop naps sucks and she may very well be done or just nap a few times a week. It will get better. I would still encourage quiet time, but I don't think naps should be forced. Both my oldest and middle sons gave up naps at 2 yrs 9 months, and my third at 28 months.

Meg&Jesse

DS1 also started to drop naps before DS2 was born.  We were a few weeks through the transition and then life got crazy after DS2 was born.  DS1 actually went back to napping quite well, but the naps were shorter..an hour-ish. 

DS1 is again starting to stop the naps.  When he does not nap we start the bedtime routine an hour earlier.  The days we have not done this we have missed the "sleep window"and he is up later than ever..which just creates an awful cycle! 

Good luck.  Honestly, it is a rough adjustment and I have heard it can take awhile for them to adjust.

diana.filipi

We do 'quiet time'.  DD stopped sleeping and just playing in her room several months ago.  It sucks cuzz I can't nap now and we're expecting number 3.  Alas, you can't make them sleep but you can make them stay in their room for a set period of time.  Perhaps get her a sleep clock that lets her know when her time is up.  I don't have one for DD but I think she's getting one for Christmas ;-)