What age did your toddler drop their daytime nap?

Question

my daughter is just over 17 months and is refusing to nap during the day. She has always slept 11 hours at night and 1 to 2 hours after lunch, but lately is screaming when i try to put her down. we have tried to let her go without one, but by 5 o clock she is shattered . Just wondered if this WAS about dropping naps as she is quite young, or just another way of exerting control.. thanks in advance

Answer 1

My daughter didn't stop taking a nap until she was almost 5.

Answer 2

no one can tell when is a good time.  maybe she'll have to adjust maybe it's a power play.  go with your gut what do you think?

Answer 3

my daughter is 20 months and a month ago she went through a phase where she didnt want to nap. She would just play in her crib for 2 hours before I just gave up and let her out.  But She would sleep all night and slept in in the morning, which was kinda nice for me.  It only lasted a week or so then she went back to napping for 2 hours.  But every now and then she will have a day where she doesnt want to nap.  Its fine but she has to spend time in her crib for "relax" time, she can play with her stuffed animals but no tv or music.  And shes fine.  As long as she sleeps well at night i am not worried, and she gets 11-12 hours at night.  

Answer 4

Let her stay awake, Mine was the same age and shes now 2 she goes asleep much earlier now with

out the nap

Answer 5

My eldest stopped having daytime naps at 18 months, and the 2nd at 15 months. It was quite early, but it was natural for them

Answer 6

my daughter stopped her regular naps at 2 1/2 years, she is now just over 3, (+4months) she will have a nap occasionally if she has had a few 'busy' days, but she grew out of regular ones then, but i believe this was quite old? but i let her tell me and followed her lead..

good luck x  

Answer 7

My son is three, and he still takes a nap, thank God!  Every child is different, but you are right in thinking that perhaps she is trying to assert control.  Even if she throws a fit when you put her down for a nap, that could be because she is pooped.  Let her lie there till she falls asleep.  At the very least, she will entertain herself in her crib, and you will get a little bit of rest.  After a few days of this, she should be back in her nap groove.  Good luck!

Answer 8

17 months seems a bit young to me to be not wanting a nap. Could she be needing a bit of fresh air after her lunch? Maybe a little walk or a trip round the block in her buggy?

Answer 9

i have 4 children and none of them have nap after about 15 mths there all quite closer together in age and its been in there nature to stay up they did howevr have the odd nap if we were out in the pram or car, how ever  if they did they wouldn't sleep at night. My youngest daughter started nursery in November age 19 months and i explained that she didn't nap and they were more than happy for her to play with the older children whilst the younger one's napped far better than some of the nusery i visted where children where forced to nap on the floor regard less of if they wanted to or not.  

Answer 10

My second daughter learnt how to climb out of her cot at 18 months and that was the end of afternoon naps.

Answer 11

My oldest son was about 3 when he dropped his naps

my younger son was 18months old.

I guess its different with different children

Answer 12

I'd say she's trying to c how far she can go.. mine is 3 and still takes a nap.. she did go through a phase like urs is going through.. i think it's thats he didn't want to miss anything u know? naps r REALLY important when they're young... try to get her back down for one.. good luck

Answer 13

It's control she's after. Naps normally end when they around 3 as they're preparing for school. Good luck with this, and be strong. Put her down and leave her, she'll get so tired of crying & screaming she'll fall asleep. I work with 2-5 yr olds by the way!!

Answer 14

I think my daughter was about the same age as yours, she is 3 now and on the very odd day she will have a sleep if she has been playing all day etc, if she wont sleep during the day just pop her infront of Dora or something and let her relax she shouldn't be too narky at dinner time if she has had a rest during the day even if it didn't involve sleeping

Answer 15

What day time nap? Our first was on the go from 6 in the morning until 10 at night! The other 3 were all different. Each to his own some kids do not need naps, others do. So put her to bed at 5? Where's the problem?

Answer 16

Wait until a few hours after lunch.  She's on her way of giving them up though.  Mine did the same thing and stopped before they were 2

Answer 17

My daughter is 17 months old, and she cant quite manage without her nap. Just lately she has asked to go to bed in the afternoon. If she refuses to go I put her in the car and take her for a little ride. Usually goes by the time I get to the end of the road.