My son is 2 1/2 & still takes naps pretty well....but some days he really fights it & just wont take one. What is a good age to give up on making him nap?!
2006-12-13 10:16:46 · 16 answers · asked by mommy2kaleb04 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I'd recommend monitoring your son's nighttime sleeping patterns and daytime mood and energy level. Rather than discontinuing his naptime completely, just put him down on days that he needs it - children do have heavier and lighter days just as we do. Over time, the nap days will be fewer and farther between. Most children no longer need regular naps by the time they're about three-and-a-half or four.
Make sure that his nighttime sleep is on a regular, set schedule and that you're giving him at least ten hours a night downtime. If he's not able to sleep at bedtime or wakes up frequently or early, it may be a sign that he's napping too much in the daytime. In other words, keep the real sleep to a strict schedule (it's much more healthy for a child) and use your judgement on supplementing with naps. If he's not overly sleepy, a half-hour of "quiet time", without television or music, relaxing with books or some such, may be enough to recharge his batteries and brighten his demeanor.
I have two sons, and my four year old (nearly five) still needs an occasional nap. Even my seven year old will sometimes sleep during car rides. There's no set age, as someone else stated, even adults need a rest some days.
2006-12-13 10:51:12 · answer #1 · answered by Geoff S. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to STOP your child from taking a nap? I beg my 2 1/2 year old to lay down and take a nap. In my opinion an active 2 year old definitely needs to take a nap at least for a short while, and you probably need the alone time as well. Sometimes when my son won't sleep, I'll make him be in his room alone for about an hour of quiet time.
2016-05-23 21:19:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say as long as the child is still benefiting from a nap you should still encourage them. If he's fighting taking a nap, it could just be a bad day OR he needs to nap at a different time. My daughter's naptime has changed a few times. A while back she was ready for a nap at 11 AM, now she's ready at 2 PM.
2006-12-13 14:27:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If YOU think it's nap time, then it is. Naps benefit everyone, so don't make him stop taking them. There may be some days when he's just not tired/sleepy/cranky enough to need one, but most days, he will benefit from one. My daughter is almost 4 and takes at least a 2 hour nap 5-6 days a week. My husband is 43 and takes a power nap when he gets home from work.
2006-12-13 11:20:18 · answer #4 · answered by ihave5katz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shoot--my boy is five years old and still takes naps after school. I think it's important for kids to at least have "quiet time" if not a nap.
Some days he'll have a hard time going down for a nap and others he doesn't. On the bad days we just lay down together or snuggle on the couch to get the willies out.
For a 2 1/2 year old, I'd suggest just trying to lay down with him as well. Does he have a set nap time? If not, that's the first thing to do. When kids have a sense of routine they know what's coming and don't fight it as much.
2006-12-13 10:30:02 · answer #5 · answered by .vato. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Um never.I still make my 6 year old take naps on the weekends when there is no school,plus my 4 year old takes a nap everyday before he goes to school.My 3 year old also take a nap everyday and my 1 year old takes 2 naps a day.Plus I am 25 years old(and 32 weeks pregnant) and I still take a nap everyday.
2006-12-13 10:54:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the child. My daughter took naps for a long time because she would go to sleep around 6-7pm and wake up at 5am if she didnt take one. Let your son's behavior determine if he still needs naps. Most kids will fight a nap because it means they cant play.
2006-12-13 10:22:10 · answer #7 · answered by Kristin Pregnant with #4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My kids stopped around 2.5. Both of mine got to the point if they napped they would not go to bed at night. That was how I knew it was time to quit the naps.
My kids -- now 2.75 and 4.5 still nap upon occasion. But it is rare.
Sometimes it is a transitional process.....nap today, none tomorrow, nap the next and so on....
2006-12-13 13:33:44 · answer #8 · answered by Beth M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 OR 4
2006-12-13 10:20:32 · answer #9 · answered by Jess Loves McFly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never even us adults need naps. My daughter is almost 4 and still takes naps. If we have a hectic day on the weekend with my nephews over she usually won't take one.
2006-12-13 10:19:18 · answer #10 · answered by Katie Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋