Nap time is getting close. You’re tired, your toddler’s getting sleepy, and you can already feel things getting tense. The moment you say the word “nap,” the fight starts.
They wiggle. They complain. Suddenly, they need a snack, a toy, or a story right now. And then, like always, 4 PM comes around and everything falls apart. The whining starts, the tantrums begin, and your tired toddler struggles through the rest of the day.
You’re not doing anything wrong. Every parent with a toddler deals with this.
Why Do Toddlers Fight Sleep and Get More Awake?
When toddlers skip their naps, their bodies get too tired. And when that happens, their bodies make more cortisol - a stress hormone that actually keeps them awake. So the more tired they are, the harder it is for them to fall asleep.
It’s so frustrating for parents. They clearly need to rest, but they’ll do everything they can to avoid it.
Seven Ways to Win the Nap Battle
1. Focus on timing
Nap success is mostly about timing. When a nap is too late, your toddler gets a “second wind.” Their body releases stress hormones that wake them up more, and then they just can’t calm down.
2. Move nap a bit earlier
Try moving nap time about 15 minutes earlier. Watch for small sleepy signs like rubbing eyes, moving more slowly, or talking less. These usually show up before the big meltdown.
3. Keep a short wind-down routine
Keep a short, simple wind-down routine. Five to ten minutes is enough. Read one book, close the curtains, turn on white noise. Do the same things, in the same order, every day so their brain knows it’s sleep time.
4. Make the room dark
Let the room be nice and dark. Use blackout curtains if you can. Bright light tells the brain to stay awake, but darkness helps the body get ready for sleep.
5. Remember some kids fight naps more
Know that some toddlers just fight naps more. Around 18-24 months, their brain and body are busy learning new skills, which can make naps a bit messy for a while.
6. Check your own stress
Check in with yourself, too. Kids can feel it when you’re stressed. Take a few deep breaths before nap time so your calm can rub off on them.
7. Give them small choices
Give them a small sense of control. Let them pick one book for nap time or choose between two stuffed animals. Little choices help them feel involved instead of forced.
Most toddlers still need a nap until around age four. A refused nap usually means the timing or approach needs a tweak, not that naps are over for good.
What You Can Do Starting Today
Start today with something really simple. Keep your toddler’s nap routine short and calm - just a few quiet things that help them slow down and get ready to rest. This little break matters more to your tired toddler than they can express.
For tomorrow, try starting the nap routine about 15 minutes earlier than today. Moving nap time a bit earlier can make it easier for your toddler to fall asleep and can help prevent those late-afternoon meltdowns.
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Calm Toddler Hacks provided by Chilkibo Publishing, helping families find their calm with trusted strategies.
