Typical Afternoon Nap Times for Toddlers

Getting Your Toddler to Nap

• Maintain a regular time and spot for naps. Toddlers like things to remain the same, and having their familiar bed, blanket and cuddle toy can make nap time much easier for everyone. Your child might have a favorite book she likes to hear at nap time or even a favorite musical recording. If your child resists napping, try letting her look at a stack of picture books or listen to a recorded story.

Length of Nap Time

• According to the WebMd "No-Nonsense Napping Guide for Toddlers," a nap that is approximately 90 minutes long is about right. But some toddlers might prefer two shorter naps -- one in the morning and one in the afternoon -- some might sleep as long as 3 hours and a few older toddlers have graduated from napping completely. If your child consistently resists napping for more than 2 weeks, she is signalling that it is time to stop having naps.

Regular Nap Times

• Having a regular nap makes it more likely that your child will be ready to take a nap each day. If she goes to a day care center, matching the day care's regular nap time will make things easier for the day care as well as for you. Toddlers need a rest time during the day, so, even if your little person doesn't want to nap, establish a quiet time that is used for books, listening to music or watching selected TV shows.

Benefits of Toddler Naps

• Your toddler uses up a lot of energy growing and learning. An afternoon nap gives her a chance to replenish her reserves and gives you some relief from keeping her safe. An article from the St. Louis Children's Hospital, "Is Napping Necessary?" says that children who take naps generally have a longer attention span and are less irritable than children who do not take naps. A toddler who has had an afternoon nap is more likely to be cooperative in the busy afternoon hours when older siblings come home from school and working parents are trying to prepare a meal.