When is the proper time for a child to stop taking naps?

Answer 1

When they no longer seem to need them. Each child is unique and some have more or less sleep needs than others. Let your child be your guide.

Answer 2

There is no "proper time". It depends on the child and also on the family schedule. My oldest, who is what I would call a "gifted" sleeper, napped until she started first grade and had to go to school all day. However my second child stopped needing a nap in the afternoon at about 4. I could make her sleep if she lay there long enough, but then she was not at ALL ready for bed until 9 or 10 pm. So we knew it was time to drop the nap. Another of my kids is still napping at 3 but I think I will stop putting her down for a nap this summer when all the kids are home from school and we want to be able to get out and do things in the afternoon.

Answer 3

Never. I am 36 and could use a good nap right now. I really dont think that there is a right and wrong time it would really depend on the child and how well the child behaves when they go all day with no nap. Some children dont sleep that much while others do. So if the child can stay up all day and not be grumpy and cranky then I think they might be ready for no naps but on the other hand if the child becomes grumpy and cranky throughout the day then that is usually a sign that they still might require a short nap. And even if the child does nothing more than just lay down or sit someplace quiet for a short time. A good rest of body is good for anyone at any age.

Answer 4

It all depends on the child and when they are reading. My son stopped taking naps at 2, but my daughter is 2 1/2 and still takes an hour nap every day. She gets really grumpy if she doesn't nap, but my son never did or does. So, I think it all depends on when they are ready to stop taking naps. If the child gets really tired during the day and grumpy, they probably still need a short nap. If not, then they probably don't need a nap.

Answer 5

Both of my children stopped taking naps at around 1 and a half, but I have friends who's 5 year olds are still taking naps. All of the children seem to be very happy and healthy.
There is no definitive time by when a child should stop taking naps.
All that being said, it is also very important to note that it is of the utmost importance that a child get enough sleep in a 24 hour period, as this is when they grow, mentally & physically, the most. An overtired child can not only be a challenge to his/her parents, but also may be challenged more due to lack of concentration caused by tiredness.

Answer 6

I got this from BabyCenter (just love that site!)

By age 2, most toddlers have given up their morning nap but still need an afternoon snooze to see them through the day. About a quarter of kids stop napping altogether by the age of 3, another half between ages of 3 and 4, with the final quarter continuing to nap until they're 5 or 6.

That said, napping needs differ from one child to another. How much daytime sleep — if any — your child requires depends in part on how many hours he sleeps during the night (although many kids need to nap no matter how much sleep they get at night). But in general, kids this age do best with a total of 12 to 14 hours of sleep in each 24-hour period.

Here's a link to how much sleep and naps (on average) 2 - 8 yr olds need by age:
http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/preschooler/psleep/64915.html

Answer 7

they still have nap time where im from in preschool so i stopped making mine take naps once they turned 4..depends on the child really. some kids are very irritable if they dont get a nap. if there taking naps and not sleeping at night then id suggest u stop the naps

Answer 8

My children each stopped taking naps around the age of 3 or 4. They kind of just did it on their own. But there's nothing wrong if they still need naps and are older. As long as they are sleeping well at night it should be okay. I still like naps, just don't get many!!!

Answer 9

There is no 'proper' time, some children stop around 1, others still need a nap up until school age.

Answer 10

There is no proper time. My youngest still took a nap when he got home form half day kindergarten.My oldest stopped at about 8 months. When they were ready to give up the naps we implimented quiet time instead. We would curl up on a couch with a book, or sit at the table and color. It gave them a chance to relax and recharge. Theyre 9 and 11 now and when they get home from school they still have their quiet time, no tv, no running around and its usually wile w're making dinner. They hang out at the table and tell us about their day, no more books, they save those for bedtime, but they're great at cutting veggies.

Answer 11

I think in our family we stopped taking naps at around age 4....it really depends on the child.