What is a proper nap length for a 4 year old and a 2 year old?

Question

I am a nanny and the parents never told me a length of time they want their kids to nap for, but they did make it clear that they want them to take naps. Please help. Thanks!

Answer 1

My kids weren't napping at 4 years old and at two they were down to maybe one half hour nap a day.  My oldest quit naps after her first birthday.  Of course you do have to follow what the parents want but I would discuss the idea of naps with them especially concerning the 4 year old

Answer 2

I'd let the 2 year old have a nap of an hour and the 4 year old just 10 minutes. My 4 year old hasn't had a nap for 2 years. But if they insist, theres not much you can do about it.  

Answer 3

I don't nap my 4 yr old.  But I would think 30 minutes for a 4 yr old and 1 hour for a 2 yr old.  I'd rather not give my 4 yr old a nap and put him to bed earlier like 7:30pm.

Answer 4

I worked at a daycare and that age is usually 2-3 hours

Answer 5

The 4 year old probably doesn't need a nap.  I wouldn't let him nap for more than an hour if he does nap.  The 2 year old should nap between 1-2 hours.  But really, you should ask the parents.  All kids are different.  Both of my kids stopped napping around 3 years old.  My son would have napped at 4 if I let him, but then I couldn't get him to go to bed at night.  In my opinion a 4 year old doesn't need a nap if they are going to bed at a reasonable time at night.  But you really should ask the parents of the children you are watching.

Answer 6

well my son can sleep for about 2-3 hours in the afternoon :) as long as it is in the afternoon let them sleep till they wake :)

Answer 7

At a daycare, nap times for all children according to the Day Nurseries Act (Canada) is 2 hours.  Having said that, the minimum is 30 minutes, which would usually apply to older children (the 4year old).  Most 4 year olds don't even nap anymore, but I would advise the parents that 30 minutes of "rest" or quiet time is sufficient at that age.

1.5 - 2 hours is normal for most 2-year olds.