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TIPS TO GET YOUR TODDLER TO NAP

Having a tired and cranky toddler can be a frustrating experience, especially when they seem to be refusing to take a nap.

Fighting sleep, even when they are exhausted is a very common thing for toddlers. Toddlers tend to fight sleep because they are discovering exciting new things and don’t want to miss anything.

There are some relatively easy solutions in order to regain control over your toddler’s naptime, making sure that they get the rest that they need.

tips to get your toddler to nap

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TODDLER WON’T NAP

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Most kids nap at least two times a day until their first birthday approaches.  Once children surpass their first birthday, the naps usually dwindle down to once a day until they reach about 5 years old.

Try to make sure that you are tuned in to the signs of daytime sleepiness that your toddler usually displays, as this will help you to confirm whether your child needs to continue napping.

If your toddler won’t nap, there are ways to ensure that they are getting that much-needed sleep.

TIPS TO GET YOUR TODDLER TO NAP

CONSISTENCY

Having a consistent routine with your toddler is crucial for them to feel a sense of security. Ensuring that you have a consistent routine will help to ensure that your toddler can somewhat predict what is going to happen at different times of the day.

If you sing a certain song before naptimes, it is important that you sing that same song every single day, even if you have a packed schedule.

The location of their nap should also be consistent.  If you keep their naptime in the same place it will help your toddler to know that this is sleep time.

KEEP NAPTIMES POSITIVE

Never use naptime as a form of discipline.

Keeping naptimes positive is very important. Set aside some special blankets and toys that they use only during naptimes to help them become excited about sleep instead of fighting it.

How to get your toddler to nap

SETTLE DOWN BEFORE NAPS

Encourage your little one to play calmly and quietly an hour before their naptime.

Allowing lots of time for your child to unwind prior to a nap will make the entire process of putting them down for a nap less stressful for both you and your child.

Encouraging your toddler to take naps is very important, especially if you don’t want to be dealing with a frustrated and sleep deprived little one. Remember to stay calm and consistent and make naptime a positive experience for both of you.

You may also like this post on HOW TO DEAL WITH WHINING CHILDREN:

Whining Children

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louise

Tuesday 20th of February 2018

great tips, wish I had these tips when my kids napped

Laurence Price

Tuesday 20th of February 2018

These are great tips for any parent. Very useful.