Your baby’s sleep needs play a big part in daily routines in the early years. And as growth spurts cause all kinds of changes in sleep patterns and it’s only natural to start asking yourself when toddlers will drop their naps.

During their first 12 months, babies usually transition from needing five to six naps a day to just needing two. As a fully-fledged toddler between 15-18 months of age, your child will usually transition from needing two naps to just one. And eventually, they transition to none.

So, how do you know when a toddler is ready to drop a nap or, stop napping altogether? What are the signs you should look for? And what do you do when your toddler refuses to nap? Let’s take a closer look.

How much sleep does a toddler need?

Toddlers are growing and developing rapidly. As a result, they need 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This will usually consist of 10-12 hours of sleep at night, and one or two naps lasting 1-2 hours during the day. However, all children are different and so are their sleep needs.

What are the signs that your toddler is ready to drop a nap?

Here are four signs your toddler may be ready to drop a nap:

1. They don’t seem tired or are taking too long to fall asleep at naptime – This is a classic sign that your toddler may be ready to drop a nap, particularly if are in a good mood and are not grumpy or cranky.
2. They don’t seem tired or are taking too long to fall asleep at bedtime – This sign often goes together with the previous one. You may find that your toddler starts resisting their usual afternoon nap but may fall asleep later in the afternoon. This means that instead of waking up at 3 pm, they are waking up at 4 pm or later. This causes problems at bedtime because they aren’t tired.
3. Skipping naps – You may find that your toddler sometimes skips a nap altogether, remains happy and energetic but is ready for sleep at bedtime. This is a good sign that they are ready to drop a nap.
4. Early morning wake-ups – Some children nap beautifully during the day, yet over a two- or three-week period, they begin to wake earlier and earlier in the morning. If your child is waking up with the birds, it may be time to drop a nap.

What do I do if my toddler won’t have a nap?

You can’t force a child to sleep but you can create the right environment. If your toddler won’t have a daytime nap, give them an hour of quiet time resting in their room. If they refuse to rest, encourage them to do a quiet activity, such as looking at picture books, doing puzzles, colouring, or playing by themselves.

Try to avoid television or offering electronic devices, such as phones and tablets. These devices emit blue light that interferes with sleep.

When should toddlers stop napping completely?

Children drop their daytime naps at different ages. About a quarter of children stop napping by three years of age. Another half stop between three and four years of age, around the time they move out of the cot and into their first bed.

Most children have stopped napping by five years of age, while some children may go for days without a nap and then suddenly need one. If a child still needs a regular daytime nap after the age of five years, this could be a sign that they are not getting enough quality sleep at night.

The takeaway

Nap times are a good recharge for both you and your child, but eventually, the time will come when your child will no longer need them. While this transition can sometimes be rougher on you than on them, remember it is a sign of your child’s healthy growth and milestone development.

Leanne Vidler has been a Registered Nurse for 35 years, with her experience ranging from acute care in paediatric and paediatric intensive care (in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the UK); infection prevention and control; education; immunisation; aged care; quality assurance; research; policy; and national guideline development. She now provides support and education to parents and families, helping them navigate and enjoy the crazy and precious early years of parenthood, as The Mama Coach.

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