How to Get a Toddler to Take a Nap

You probably need your toddler to nap as much as he needs to nap each day. Although toddlers need to sleep during the day, sometimes they resist sleep, which can create a difficult situation. Battling with your toddler to get him to nap may not be pleasant, but with loving firmness, you can insist that your little one get the rest he needs to keep him healthy and happy.

Instructions

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      Watch for signs of tiredness and get your toddler off to bed for a nap before she becomes overtired. Signs of fatigue include grumpiness, becoming glassy-eyed, getting clumsy and getting circles under the eyes, according to professor of psychology Darcia Narvaez, writing for Psychology Today.

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      Give your little one a warning that naptime is coming, suggests pediatrician Melissa Arca, with the Confessions of a Dr. Mom website. You might say, ̶0;We̵7;re going to finish lunch and then it̵7;s naptime.̶1;

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      Create a naptime routine that simulates your toddler̵7;s bedtime routine for continuity. Your toddler understands the bedtime routine, so when the same routine is repeated at naptime, you make it more likely that your little one will cooperate. If your bedtime routine includes a story and snuggling in bed, repeat the same routine before naptime.

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      Follow through with the routine and leave your little one in his bed to nap after you finish completing the steps of the routine. As long as you set up the nap by helping your youngster relax and wind-down, it̵7;s likely that he will settle in for sleep because he̵7;s tired. If you hear cries or protests, insist that your toddler lay down for his nap. While you might not be able to force your youngster to sleep, you can enforce a quiet time.

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