"Solving
Naptime Problems"
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Naps
are important for your child’s healthy mental and
physical growth. A daily nap refreshes a child so that
she can maintain her energy, focus, and ability to learn
for the rest of the day. Studies show that children who
nap are more flexible and adaptable, have longer
attention spans, and are less fussy than those who
don’t nap.
Does
your child needs a nap?
Here
are signs that your child would benefit from a daily
nap:
-
Wakes
up happy, but gets whiny and cranky as the day
progresses
-
Has
patience early in the day but is easily aggravated
later on
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How
much naptime does your child need???
Children
differ in their sleep needs ¾
but what follows is a general guide that applies to most of
them. Even if your child’s sleep hours add up to the right
amount, his behavior tells you more than any chart could. When
in doubt – always try for a nap, since even some quiet time
can help a child feel more refreshed.
Average
hours of daytime and nighttime sleep
|
Age
|
Number
of naps
|
Total
length of naptime hours
|
Nighttime
sleep hours*
|
Total
of nighttime and naptime sleep
|
|
Newborn
|
Newborns
sleep
|
16
- 18 hours daily,
|
spread
over 6 - 7
|
sleep
periods.
|
|
3
months
|
3
|
5
– 6
|
10
– 11
|
15
|
|
6
months
|
2
|
3
– 4
|
10
- 11
|
14
– 15
|
|
9
months
|
2
|
2
½ - 4
|
11
- 12
|
14
|
|
12
months
|
1–2
|
2
– 3
|
11
½ –12
|
13
½ –14
|
|
18
months
|
1–2
|
2
– 3
|
11
¼ -12
|
13
– 14
|
|
2
years
|
1
|
1–2
½
|
11–12
|
13
– 13 ½
|
|
2
½ years
|
1
|
1
½ -2
|
11–11
½
|
13
– 13 ½
|
|
3
years
|
1
|
1–1
½
|
11
–11 ½
|
12
– 13
|
|
4
years
|
0
-1
|
0
-1
|
11–11
½
|
11
– 12 ½
|
|
5-6
years
|
0
-1
|
0
-1
|
11
|
11
– 12
|
*These
averages don’t signify unbroken stretches of sleep
since night waking is normal.
©
Elizabeth Pantley, The No-Cry Sleep Solution and The
No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers
(McGraw-Hill)
Timing
and length of naps
The
timing of naps is important, since a nap that occurs late in the
day will prevent your child from being tired at bedtime.
Generally, the best nap times are:
§
If
your child takes two naps:
midmorning (around 9:00 to 11:00) and early afternoon (around
12:00 to 2:30)
§
If
your child takes one nap:
early afternoon (around 12:00 to 2:30); after lunch
If
your child tends towards short naps, don’t give in and assume
that it’s all she needs. Try these tips for increasing the
length of naps:
·
Give
your child a healthy lunch or snack a half hour before nap.
·
Keep
the sleeping room dark.
·
Play
soothing music or white noise during the entire nap.
·
Dress
her in comfortable sleeping clothes.
·
Make
certain that discomfort from teething, allergies or other health
issues aren’t preventing a nap. If you suspect problems, talk
to your health care professional.
Watch
for signs of tiredness
Tired
children fall asleep easily, but when you miss the
signals, they become overtired and are unable to
fall asleep. Your child may show one or more of these
signs that tell you he is tired and ready to nap – right
now:
§
losing
interest in playtime
§
becoming
whiny, cranky or fussy
§
losing
patience with toys, activities or playmates
§
having
tantrums
§
rubbing
his eyes or yawning
§
lying
down or slumping in his seat
§
caressing
a lovey or blanket
§
asking
for a pacifier, bottle or to nurse
The
nap routine
Once you’ve created a nap schedule that works with
your child’s periods of tiredness, follow a simple but
specific nap routine. Your child will be most
comfortable if there is a pattern to his day. He may
come to predict when his naptime approaches and
willingly cooperate with you.
Nap
routines change
Children’s
sleep needs change over time, so remember that the
routine that you set up today won’t be the same one
you’re using a year from now. Be adaptable!
For more information from Elizabeth
Pantley go to her website.
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Excerpted with permission
by McGraw-Hill Publishing from The No-Cry Sleep Solution:
Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night and
The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers
(McGraw-Hill, 2002, 2005)
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