When we first approach the years where we have a feeling that the nap has got to go...our automatic thought is "NOPE not doing it! I need my recharge time...I'm holding onto it for as long as possible!"
But I'm here to tell you that you don't need to dread it. It's really not as bad as it sounds.
And here's why...
NO NAP does not mean no recharge time!
Your toddler needs a recharge time just as much as you do. So no nap just means they are in their bedroom for quiet time instead.
You make it just as important as nap time and they will learn that it is quiet time.
But first let's talk about when you know it's time to let that nap go.
#1. Your toddler is taking longer to go to sleep at bedtime.
#2. Your toddler is taking longer to fall asleep at naptime.
#3. Your toddler is waking earlier then 6:30 in the morning.
#4. Your toddler is waking more during the night.
#5. Your toddler has at least reached the age of 2 and awake times have been maxed out between sleep times.
You can grab a copy of my "Mom's Schedule Cheat Sheet" here if you aren't sure what their age appropriate awake times are.
If any of these signs have been happening consistently for awhile, chances are it's time to drop that nap.
This transition is not easy! I will warn you, but if you don't tackle it, you will have a lot more sleep struggles on your hands.
As I said already, when dropping the nap, it doesn't mean you need to entertain your toddler all day long now.
This means you start introducing quiet time. This is a very important part of dropping their nap.
Keep in mind that when you are starting quiet time, it's going to take some times for them to understand the boundaries of it and what being quiet means. So like I say with many other things just keep being consistent and they will get it. Stay tuned for a blog post on what to do for quiet time!
If you are struggling with dropping this last nap, and still are not sure whether it's the right time or not, you can schedule a free 20 minute consultation and we will dive into what you've tried and what it would be like to work together to get the transition started!
Sleep Easy!
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