Give your child a nap: When can I stop?

Many parents want to create a habit for their children to take a nap so that they have enough energy to work in the afternoon as well as give you time to rest. However, your baby will no longer take a nap at a certain stage and you don't need to force him to take a nap.

Before you were 1 year old, noon was probably the most free time of the day. At this point, the baby is asleep and you can spend time doing other housework. However, the naps do not last long, most children will quit this habit when they are 3-5 years old.

Signs you don't need your baby to take a nap anymore

Before you skip the nap, you should determine if your baby is ready. Your baby will not be able to open his mouth to tell you this. Therefore, you need to look for your baby's signs:

1. Difficulty sleeping, sleeping less

When your baby no longer needs a nap, he or she will find it difficult to fall asleep at regular sleeping times. At this point, napping will become unnecessary because the baby does not need more sleep. Therefore, the sign that you will see is that your baby does not sleep much at night, he will go to bed later or wake up earlier in the morning.

2. Refusing to take a nap

Instead of sleeping normally, your baby will be opposed to giving your baby a nap. Your baby may get out of bed and talk to you about not wanting or not going to bed.

3. Be in a good mood

Babies who are ready to quit taking a nap will usually maintain a stable mood during this time. Of course, your baby will have times of happiness and sadness, but in general, he will always be in good spirits and have enough energy from morning to night.

4. Comfortable morning

If your baby does not take a nap and the next morning he still wakes up with a comfortable and comfortable mood, he is more likely ready to give up this sleep.

Signs should continue to give your child a nap

1. Easy naps

If your baby has positive responses like easy sleep, a little struggles but ends up falling asleep… then that means he still needs rest during the day.

2. Has a bad attitude in the afternoon

If your baby is frustrated, difficult, or uncomfortable when not taking naps, this is a sign that your baby is not ready to skip the nap.

3. Dozing off in the car

Remember, sitting in the car is very easy to help your baby fall asleep. If your baby doesn't take a nap and then does fall asleep in the car, he probably isn't ready to give up the nap.

4. Signs of drowsiness

Your baby won't tell you they're sleepy, but their body language will tell you that. Yawning, rubbing eyes, sitting still without playing with ... are all signs that your baby needs to rest.

The secret to pass the transition time

1. Write it down on paper

Not sure if your baby is ready to say goodbye to a nap? If so, try noting things like bedtime, waking time, gestures, actions during the day. After 1-2 weeks, you will see clearly and be able to make the best decision.

2. Do not prohibit napping

Your baby cannot stop taking a nap right away. It takes time to transition. This takes months or even half a year. Let your baby take a nap if he needs it. However, if your baby is over 6 years old and starts napping again, then you need to pay attention because this could be a sign that your baby is not getting enough sleep or having a sleep disorder .

3. Replace sleeping with a quiet amount of time

Resting in your bedroom or in a quiet area of ​​the home is the best way for your baby to regain energy. Babies can still take naps if they really need to. In the beginning, this quiet period will take 15-30 minutes, then gradually increase to about an hour. You can give your baby a few books or some gentle games to help her avoid feeling bored.

4. Be persistent

You need to persevere in resting your baby at the same time every day, maybe after lunch, and in the same place in the house. If you do this regularly, your baby will feel less uncomfortable or even look forward to this time.

5. Increase sleep time

If during the transition period, your baby shows signs of sleepiness or often feels tired in the afternoon, you can put your baby to bed about 20 minutes to an hour earlier than before.