When Will My Child Stop Needing A Nap? - BabyCenter

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1. Child /
2. Kids Sleep Guides

When will my child stop needing a nap?Written by Jodi Mindell, Ph.D.Photo credit: ThinkstockBy 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. So if your child goes to bed at 8 p.m. and sleeps until 8 a.m., he may get his full quota of rest all at once. (For more on how much sleep children need at different ages, click here.) Also, don't be surprised if your child goes back to taking a nap weeks or even months after stopping, especially if there's a change in his routine or he's more active during the day as a result of school or other scheduled activities.Advertisement | page continues belowIf your child gets fewer than 12 hours of sleep at night, then ideally he should continue to nap. But you may find that as he gets older, it's increasingly difficult to get him down to sleep during the day. Toddlers and preschoolers are so intent on discovering their world that they hate to miss out on anything going on around them — even when they're running on fumes. If your child is usually at home with you during the day, make sure he naps in the same place he sleeps at night, since he already associates that spot with sleep and he's more likely to doze off there. If he normally naps at daycare or preschool, keep your weekend routine consistent with theirs and tuck him in with the same stuffed animal he usually sleeps with at school.If a child under age 4 refuses to nap altogether, at least try to enforce some quiet time every day. Tell him that kids rest after lunch so they have the energy to play later on. Let him take some toys and books to bed with him, then dim the lights or draw the curtains and leave the room. Although he won't feel as rejuvenated as he would if he slept, an hour or two's break from rambunctious play will help shore up his energies — and yours.Advertisement | page continues belowWas this article helpful?YesNo

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Track your pregnancy, prep for what's next, and get expert support – all for freeJodi Mindell

Jodi Mindell, Ph.D., is board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine and a member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of pediatric sleep and sleep disorders, with a special interest in infant and toddler sleep.

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