2.5 Yrs Old - Still Napping???

VandJ-Forever · August 2009

Hi All! I feel like it's been forever since i've posted here...it's been a crazy few months, plus for some reason this board always took forever to load. Well, we finally got some fast internet...yahooooo!

So, my little guy is 2.5 and we got him a big ol' racecar bed a few months ago. He loves it BUT naps are now a HUGE battle I am SO not ready to give up those few hours during the day. It's when I get all my work done, plus everything around the house. Anyway...I guess, i'm just wondering if at this age your little ones are still napping? AND, of course..if you have any tips to share. His room is pretty bright during the day...so i'm thinking dark curtains might help..

SweetieP · August 2009

I think every kid is different - mine still takes a 2-3 hour nap every day while my neighbor's daughter didn't nap after she turned 1. As for tips, we have the same routine at naptime as we do at bedtime other than the teeth brushing. And all through lunch I remind him that when lunch is done, we're changing his diaper and then going to bed. For us, that works.

EmmieB · August 2009

When I was a nanny, the little boy was about this age when he started "phasing out" naps. His mom decided that what worked best for them (this was over the summer and he started preschool all day in the fall so I have no idea after this) was to have him lie on his bed and look at books for at least a half hour. Normally just the lying down and being calm was enough for him to pass out but every now and again he'd wander out after a couple of picture books and say "All Done! Play now!" And that was that.

Not sure if it helps or not.

Good luck!

Gannon · August 2009

My guy is 3 1/2 and we still do naps. Now, he doesn't sleep every day but we still go through the routine, I want him to know it is part of his day (if I have my way, he'll nap until he goes to kindergarten! lol).

Room darkening shades may help but I think consistency is going to be your best friend. Keep with your routines, find ways to tell him he needs to calm down and stay in bed for a while even if he doesn't sleep. If he is old enough to understand rules and consequences, find a rule to make. For us it is that he has to stay quiet or one of his animals will have to come out of his bed. For now, that works.

Every kid goes through periods of time where they don't sleep/nap well (at least I think so). Just stick with it, try to be consistent with your routine but be prepared for the days when he doesn't sleep. For us, as long has he had some quiet time in bed, that's fine. The good thing is I get to put him to bed a little early when he doesn't nap and he goes to sleep a lot easier. That my bonus and gets me through the no-nap days.

Hang in there, I wish I had the golden ticket for you. ((hugs))

VandJ-Forever · August 2009

Thanks so much girls!! Some awesome ideas there....maybe i should try putting a few books in bed with him and just telling him it's time to 'rest'...and not 'sleep'...I'm not giving up yet