The Best Ways to Wake a Child From a Nap

For optimal health and well-being, little ones need afternoon naps until they̵7;re about 5 years old, according to KidsHealth.org. Although most parents wonder how to get their jittery tots to settle down to sleep, many parents of hard, sound sleepers wonder how to get their sleepyheads to wake back up. Naps are beneficial, but kids whose afternoon naps drone on into early evening run the risk of being too well rested and energetic to go back to bed at night. To create a healthy balance between nap time and bedtime, follow a few tips to get your little one up and running on schedule.

  1. Light

    • According to Dr. Stephen Trudeau, a child psychologist writing on his own humansguide.com website, one of the best ways to wake your child up from a nap is to use natural or artificial light to activate her natural body clock. Light stimulates the body's ̶0;reticular activating formation,̶1; which releases cues that signal the brain to wake up. To stir your child gently from a peaceful nap, turn on the lights in her room or open the blinds or drapes to allow the sun to shine in.

    Sounds

    • Even though your child is sleeping, her senses are still active. Play her favorite song to motivate her out of bed. If you don̵7;t have access to a music player, make your own music. Sing or hum her favorite tune, or simply sing her name to your own improvised melody. If music doesn̵7;t do the trick, turn on your child̵7;s favorite television show. Let the voices of her favorite characters lure her awake.

    Touch

    • If your child doesn̵7;t respond to light and sound, touch her softly to help her awaken. Stroke her cheek or forehead, gently stroke her shoulder, or tickle her feet and belly so she̵7;ll return to the world feeling happy and playful. If that doesn̵7;t work, pick your child up and hug her tight, and say her name softly in her ear. The change in position might automatically prop her head up and her eyes open.

    Smell

    • The smell of delicious treats might also convince your sleepyhead to awaken. Perhaps the aroma of fresh baked cookies, popcorn or a pizza slice will lead her from the bed to the dining room table.

    Cooling Off

    • If your child absolutely won̵7;t wake up, perhaps you need to resort to more drastic measures. Pull her covers back, and use a cool washcloth to wipe her face or feet. According to HealthyChildren.org, most kids don̵7;t like to experience a drop in temperature while sleeping. Even if she̵7;s only waking up to complain, cooling her off will likely get her eyes open.

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