Toddlers are notoriously energetic. With all that energy, you might notice your little one is not as sleepy as they used to be around mid-afternoon. That has you wondering: when do toddlers stop napping?
In this article, we’ll tell you the signs that it’s time for your child to drop their nap. We’ll also offer tips on transitioning their nap time to quiet time for independent play.
Table of contents
- Signs that your toddler is ready to stop napping
- How to transition to nap-free days
- Tips for a better night's sleep
Signs that your toddler is ready to stop napping
The answer to, “When do toddlers stop napping?” is typically around three to four years old. But don’t worry if they show the signs earlier or later than that — every child is different.
An easy way to tell if your little one is ready to drop their naps is to look for the following signs. These changes in your little one’s behavior can indicate that it’s time for a new sleep routine.
Naps make nighttime sleep difficult.
If your little one is taking their naps but then not falling or staying asleep at bedtime, it could be a sign that the days of napping are gone forever.
But, before you decide to ditch naps altogether, consider cutting all naps but one (typically the one in the afternoon). Keep this nap short — maybe an hour or so — and see how your little one does.
If they’re still exhibiting other signs on this list, try eliminating the naps completely.
It takes over 30 minutes for your toddler to fall asleep at bedtime.
If your toddler is struggling to fall asleep at their normal bedtime for a prolonged period, they may have slept too much during the day.
It takes over 30 minutes for your toddler to fall asleep at naptime.
Similarly, if your little one doesn’t want to nap, they may be telling you they’re ready to face the day nap-free.
Your toddler wakes up before 6:00 am.
If your toddler’s up and ready to run before the rooster crows, you might need to lose the naps.
Your toddler wakes up at night and doesn’t go back to sleep.
Another sign that your toddler is ready to shed their daytime nap is if they wake up in the wee hours and decide it’s time to play.
Your toddler entertains themself during nap time.
If you peek in on your toddler during their nap and catch them playing in their bed, it may be time to trade in naptime for quiet time.
How to transition to nap-free days
1) Shorten their nap first.
Before you transition completely away from naps, try shortening their daily nap first so you don’t accidentally deprive your toddler of much-needed sleep.
2) Build a quiet time routine.
A common question we get is, “What should my toddler do instead of napping?” The easy, and often best, answer is quiet time! Start with 10-15 minutes of independent play and try to build up to an hour or more.
3) Be mindful of safety concerns.
Since your toddler will likely be playing on their own during quiet time, it’s important to make the room where they do this as safe as possible by childproofing everything within reach (and even above reach).
4) Set up their space with independent play options.
Of course, if you implement a quiet time routine and expect them to play alone, you’re going to need to make sure there are safe toy options for your toddler to play with.
When buying toys, always check the recommended age so you don’t accidentally give them something to play with that could pose a hazard.
Tips for a better night’s sleep
Once your toddler stops napping, you’ll want to make sure they get the most out of the nighttime hours. Here are some tips to help make that happen.
Make sure your toddler’s room is quiet.
Your toddler goes to bed before you do, so be extra careful to keep their room and the house quiet. If they hear activity outside their door, they may get out of bed to see what’s going on.
Of course, you can’t be completely silent (unless you’re asleep, too), so consider running a white noise machine to muffle the sounds you make.
Keep their room cool.
Turn down the thermostat to make your toddler’s room sleep-ready. Setting the temperature between 68-72℉ (sometimes even lower at 65-70℉) is ideal.
Ensure they have a comfortable mattress.
Of course, it will be difficult for your toddler to get the proper rest if they don’t have the right mattress. If they’re in a toddler bed that’s compatible with a standard-size crib, Newton’s Essential Crib Mattress is a great option because it’s breathable and washable, with a comfy-cozy eyelet removable cover.
Top it off with a toddler pillow and one of our Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets that’s soft to the touch and allows for superior airflow, keeping your toddler cool and comfortable.
If your little one has already transitioned to a twin bed, try our Kids’ Twin Mattress, which is also breathable and washable, making it a particularly good choice for allergy sufferers. The organic cotton surface and firm support for growing bones mean a restful night’s sleep.
Practice a consistent bedtime routine.
When your little one is a toddler, it’s more important than ever to stick to a regular bedtime routine. At this point, they can get in and out of bed on their own, so your consistency matters.
Bye-bye naps, hello night!
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Now you know the answer to, “When do toddlers stop napping?” as well as the signs to watch for. Of course, once your child drops their nap, nighttime sleep is even more important.
With a Newton mattress, your toddler can sleep soundly through the night in maximum comfort. We’re here for you when your toddler needs the best sleep they can get. Nighty night!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my toddler start napping in a bed instead of a crib?
Toddlers can typically start napping and sleeping in a bed instead of a crib between two and three years old. That said, it’s not just about reaching a certain age. Your toddler will also need to develop cognitive and behavioral skills to successfully transition from a crib to a bed.
Because of that, some toddlers will be ready to switch to a big kid bed at a younger age, while other toddlers will need to wait a bit longer.
Will a nap affect my toddler’s bedtime?
When your toddler stops napping, you may need to move their bedtime to earlier in the evening to make up for the sleep they missed during the day.
This may be difficult at first because your little one may not be ready to go down — not because they’re not tired, but because they’re not used to the time change.
Be patient and consistent and, eventually, your child will fall into a routine that allows them to stop napping without getting overly tired.
Should I potty train or change my toddler’s nap routine first?
It’s generally recommended that you tackle potty training before changing your toddler’s nap routine.
Potty training and changing sleeping behaviors are both big, potentially stressful milestones in a child’s life that require a lot of time and energy (for both of you). If you spring too many of these big changes on your toddler all at once, you can actually reduce their chances of success.
Give your toddler time to get comfortable without a diaper, and then focus your energy on helping them through changes in their napping and sleeping routine.
Can I expect a sleep regression when my toddler stops napping?
It’s possible that your toddler will go through a sleep regression when they stop napping.
Sleep regressions can happen around 18 months, two years, and four years. What’s more, big life changes — like potty training and switching to a big kid bed — can set them off.
The key thing is to remember that it’s only temporary! Even though it feels like it will never end, it always does.
Establish a good routine and, above all, be patient and consistent with your toddler. Sooner or later, things will settle down and you’ll both be sleeping better than ever.
