Nap Time Activities

It may be a challenging task to get your child to take an afternoon nap. Nap time is often a dreaded time of day for young children who would rather use the time to engage in more exciting things. To make nap time more appealing to your child, you can plan simple activities to allow her a little fun before she retires for the afternoon.

  1. Songs and Music

    • Soft sounds will help soothe a child right into peaceful dreams. Sing a few soothing lullabies to him such as "Sleep, Baby, Sleep," "Are You Sleeping?" or "Golden Slumbers" as he lays down to nap. Playing slow or soft music will also prepare your child for rest. Nature sounds or instrumental music geared towards young children can help set a quiet atmosphere for his nap. Familiarity with the music may help him look forward to napping.

    Play Time

    • Simple play activities can ease a child into restful sleeping and calm him down before a nap. Baby Center suggests that playtime before a nap should be quiet as active activities will be stimulating for your child and make it harder for him to sleep. Instead of letting him watch television or play outside, he can color pictures or build a tower with blocks. You can also help him complete a few puzzles or create with clay.

    Sharing Stories

    • Reading books about nap time preparation will help your child settle into his own routine. Read the stories in a quiet voice to further promote a calm nap atmosphere. Share the story "Nap Time for Kitty" by Michael Dahl, about a kitten who refuses to sleep until a series of activities -- and some convincing from his mother -- helps him realize he needs to rest. Your child will also enjoy "Nap Time" by Elizabeth Verdick, a rhyming story with repetitive phases that encourage children to nap.

    Mock Nap Time

    • Before he retires for the afternoon, let your child prepare his own doll or teddy bear for a nap to mimic his own sleeping routine process. He can place pajamas on his doll or teddy bear, then read a story to his teddy bear and dim the lights. Let him tuck the teddy bear in its own doll-sized bed or place it by his bedside. This will give him a feeling of being in charge before he is told it is time for his nap.

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