It is important to understand a toddler’s napping needs since the right amount of sleep helps them stay active throughout the day. So when do toddlers stop napping, and what signs indicate them? A toddler needs nearly 12 to 14 hours of sleep in a day. This is distributed among the uninterrupted night sleep plus a few naps in the mornings. A good amount of sleep helps them stay active and play during the day. Also, note that the requirement of a nap also depends on their surroundings (1). However, this need to nap during the daytime reduces as the toddler grows older (2). Instead, they tend to fulfill their sleep needs at night. So if you are a new parent, it is obvious that you would like to know the signs of this shift. Read on to know more about a toddler’s napping patterns and when they stop napping.
When Do Toddlers Stop Napping?
Some toddlers may stop napping when they are around two years old, while some may continue taking naps past five years. It depends on their body’s requirements for rest and refreshment (3). Napping time in toddlers is a part of healthy growth and a milestone in development. The transition from napping to no napping is gradual and occurs through the following stages.
Non-stop napping at infancy Five to six naps a day when they are 12 months old Two to three naps a day when they are 18 months old One nap a day when they grow from three to five years old No daily daytime naps or once in a few days or weeks after the age of five.
When Can Napping Be Stopped For Toddlers?
Here are a few signs that show toddlers do not need daytime napping. After the age of five, the toddler should be able to get most of their sleep at night. If the child needs nap times after the age of five, it may indicate poor quality sleep at night. In such cases, you need to find the reason behind interrupted sleep and help them sleep better at night. You may consult a pediatrician or sleep therapist to rule out any sleep disorder or unnoticed medical condition, causing fatigue (4).
What Are The Signs A Toddler Needs Napping Time?
Sometimes, you may think of stopping your little one’s daytime naps, but it may be too soon for them. If you decide on ending napping, but the toddler’s body needs it, it may affect their development. Here are a few signs that show your baby is not yet ready to end napping.
They yawn, rub eyes, suck thumbs, or cuddle with their loved ones when they feel sleepy. Car rides become napping times. They become inactive when they skip naps. Their energy levels crash by evening. They wake up cranky in the morning. They behave fussy, irritated, hyperactive, or unhappy throughout the day if napping is disturbed (5) (6). They fall asleep in the daycare or class. They may be reluctant to learn new things due to tiredness (7). They show signs of getting tired during the day. They fall asleep quickly during nap times.
How To Drop A Nap?
If your toddler skips a nap and does not appear sleepy, fussy, and exhausted, it is time to put a stop to their napping sessions.
Books Audio-books Puzzles Playing with toys
Quiet routine time is beneficial as the daycare and schools provide rest periods, and this habit will keep your child calm during those periods. If you are still thinking about when do toddlers stop napping, you should know that it does not have a definite answer as the situation may differ from child to child. Many external factors play a significant role in disrupting babies’ nap time. Also, do keep in mind that if your baby wants to nap by their choice, do not force them out of it as they may get cranky and annoying.
