CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Toddler Resists Naps?

What should I do when my toddler resists naps?
save article
profile picture of Elizabeth Pantley
By Elizabeth Pantley, Parenting Expert
Updated March 9, 2020
Hero Image

Don’t give up! Most kids resist naps at some point, but naps are extraordinarily important for young toddlers. Your toddler needs about 12 hours of sleep a night, plus one to two hours of daytime sleep, divided over one or two naps. You may need to tweak your toddler’s nap schedule, but don’t let their resistance tempt you to abandon naps all together.

Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to naps. Aim for a regular nap time, and build your schedule around your child’s need for rest, instead of hoping they’ll catch a few zzz’s between your errands and other activities. If your child is on a regular nap schedule at daycare, mimic that schedule at home, even if it means rescheduling certain activities. Otherwise, watch your child for signs of sleepiness and schedule their nap times to coincide with their sleepy periods. Watch for things like fussiness, a glazed look to the eyes or a general slowing down. Those are good signs that show, not just that it’s probably time for a nap, but that the ideal time for a nap may have already passed. If your child typically gets fussy around 1 p.m., try putting them down for a nap at 12:30 p.m.

Once you’ve figured out the ideal time, make it an everyday routine. Do something relaxing together, like reading a book or playing some quiet music, before laying your child down. A routine cues your child that naptime is here and helps them wind down and relax.

But beware: kids’ sleep needs change throughout the toddler years. Most kids will go from two naps to one sometime between the ages of one and two, and that transition time can be trying for all involved! Expect some nap-less days, despite your best intentions, and an erratic schedule, at least for the time being. Do your best to maintain a routine and encourage sleep, but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t get your little one to sleep. Your job is to create conditions that encourage sleep. If nap time turns into a battle, aim for a “quiet time” where your child can listen to an audiobook or music in a darkened room for an hour. If even that turns into a battle then let it be for today and try again tomorrow.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

toddler in pajamas laughing before bedtime
Dr. Becky Explains Why Your Kid Puts Off Bedtime in Viral Video
By Wyndi Kappes
two fathers sitting in bedroom with toddler
When to Transition to a Toddler Bed
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
mom and toddler sleeping next to each other while holding hands
Toddler “Nap Traps” Mom in Relatable Viral Video
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Best toddler pillows for a comfy night of sleep-hero
Best Toddler Pillows for a Comfy Night of Sleep, According to Experts
By Danielle Halibey
mom's midnight bedtime routine tiktok
Mom Goes Viral After Sharing Her Toddler's Midnight Bedtime Routine
By Wyndi Kappes
toddler boy sleeping in bed
How to Get a Toddler to Sleep (and How Much Sleep Do They Need Anyway?)
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
tb-nursery-blackout-curtains-HERO
The Best Nursery Blackout Curtains for Baby’s Nursery
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
toddler boy sleeping in toddler bed at night
11 Best Toddler Beds for Little Sleepyheads
By Christin Perry
best kids alarm clocks
11 Best Kids’ Alarm Clocks to Get Kiddos in and Out of Bed on Time
By Caroline Dweck
Young girl and her mom listen to podcast on headphones while laying in bed.
Headspace and Sesame Workshop Are Launching a New Kids’ Bedtime Podcast
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Mom exercises at home while her toddler who sits nearby refuses to nap.
Pandemic Woes: Why Toddlers Are Refusing Their Naps (and What to Do)
By Rachel Mitchell
actor the rock
Watch the Rock Negotiate Bedtime With His Daughter in the Sweetest Way
By Nehal Aggarwal
8 slides
8 Simple Steps to Setting Up a Montessori-Style Toddler Bedroom
8 Simple Steps to Setting Up a Montessori-Style Toddler Bedroom
By Sarah Kulchar
ADVERTISEMENT
two siblings sharing room
Can a Baby and Toddler Share a Room?
By Conner Herman and Kira Ryan
Toddler Climbing Out of Crib?
Toddler Climbing Out of Crib?
By Elizabeth Pantley
Toddler Waking Up at Night?
Toddler Waking Up at Night?
By Elizabeth Pantley
toddler girl on bed embracing mom
Is My Toddler Ready to Move From His Crib to a Bed?
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Toddler Bedding?
Toddler Bedding?
By Elizabeth Pantley
mom soothes her toddler at night after a nightmare
How to Handle Toddler Nightmares
By Rachel Morris
toddler at home yawning sleepy
5 Rules Every Parent Needs to Survive Sleep Training Your Toddler
By Paula Miranda
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List