How to Transition Your Child Out of a Daily Nap Routine

Around the age of three many children begin to give up their daily nap (although some as early as 2 years and some as late as 5 years). I say "begin" because it is a process rather than a flip of a switch. More often than not, it will be very irregular at first, with the toddler requiring a nap 4 out of 7 days. This can be very trying for you, the caregiver, as you mourn the loss of that daily respite and experience new difficulties (such as having a predictable schedule for planning outings and dealing with the dinner hour meltdown). There are some things, however, you can do to make the process easier.

1). Make sure that you have an established nap time now. If your child is not in the habit of napping at the same time in the same place most days, this process can be even more difficult. Create a routine so that the inevitable disruptions in that routine will be more manageable.

2). Mentally prepare yourself for the impending change. If you can prepare yourself for the fact that you will no longer have the ability to turn on your "off duty" sign during the daylight hours, you will be less likely to resent it when it happens.

3). Don't fight it. If you find that your toddler is suddenly having a harder and harder time falling asleep for nap time (when in the past he did not), don't make a mountain out of a mole hill. He is simply responding to his body's signals that he is growing up. You will not be able to force him to sleep. This brings us to point 4.

4). Don't abandon it, replace it. So he won't sleep? No problem. Institute a quiet time (30 minutes is a good place to start - you can adjust accordingly). If your child is still in a crib, this should not be a problem. Simply tell him, "You don't have to sleep if you are not tired, but you must stay in your crib for quiet time. What would you like to have with you for quiet time?" If your child cannot think of any ideas here are a few:

- books

- dolls with outfits

- a child safe flashlight (fun shadows can be made with the curtains drawn)

- plastic figures

- Magnadoodle

- a CD player into his room playing his favorite tunes on low volume

If your child is not in a crib and "finds" himself out of the boundary of his room during this period, simply escort him back and say, "Quiet time is not over yet." Keeping the house quiet (if possible) and his room somewhat dim will keep him from thinking that the "grass is greener" elsewhere in the house. If your child continues to escape, consider using a pressure gate in his door way. He will be able to see out, you will be able to keep your ear on him and it will serve as a visual reminder that quiet time is still in session. Of course, his room should be completely child proof with outlet covers and all shelving secured to the walls.

5). When quiet time is over, read a book. Find some way to transition from quiet time to day time. Some other options include singing a song, laying together, rubbing his back or having a snack.

With these steps, the transition from nap time to quiet time will still be trying at times, but you will be well on your way to establishing a structured calm in your day that you will appreciate for years to come.