Signs a Toddler Is About to Give Up Napping

A child's nap time is a respite for her and her parent. Sleep is imperative to a child's healthy development, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your child's body works hard throughout the day, and naps offer a much needed rest from activity. However, at some point all children outgrow their naps. Some children are ready to end napping at 3 years old, while others need a good hour-long snooze in the afternoon until they're 5. Recognizing when your child is ready to end naps will help you determine a correct sleep schedule and avoid possible power struggles.

  1. Is Not Hyperactive Late in the Day

    • Children who are ready to end napping maintain moderate, even energy throughout the day. Hyperactivity often masks over-tiredness. Parents may interpret high energy late in the day as an indication the child doesn't need a lot of sleep. In fact, children who are hyperactive before bedtime are running on steam and adrenaline, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Stays Awake During Nap Time

    • Toddlers often fiercely resist napping and then promptly fall asleep. A child who is ready to give up napping, however, remains awake in her crib for the duration of her nap time. During this time she may cry, talk to herself or play with her stuffed animals. According to the What to Expect website, even if she doesn't fall asleep, an hour of quiet time is beneficial. It's also one of the first signs she is ready to log a full day of awake time.

    Doesn't Become Sleepy

    • A toddler who no longer needs naps stays awake through dinnertime car rides and television shows. She won't whine for her bedtime comforts, like a pacifier or blanket, at this time of the day and won't lie on the sofa or curl up in a chair under a cover. Such comfort-seeking behaviors indicate fatigue.

    Has Fewer Tantrums

    • Fewer tantrums late in the day is another indicator your child is ready to stop napping. A tired toddler melts down easily. As your toddler grows, you should experience that sense of an impending meltdown less frequently. A well-rested child shares, cooperates and act like herself near or until bedtime, instead of throwing herself on the floor in tears when you ask her to please pick up her shoes.

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