Naps like everything are completely unique to your child. You are the expert on your child. Naps are highly variable, so therefore sometimes letting go of expectations and allowing some flexibility can really help!
Nap refusal can be down to a number of reasons:
- Developmental changes
- Overstimulated
- Separation anxiety
- Returning to work or major changes in dynamics
- Fear of missing out
- Overtired/Undertired
- Sleep needs changing
Nap refusal can be frustrating, and I honestly have found it can be very anxiety inducing. This can lead to lots of overthinking and overplanning the day to ensure naps are optimised. But sometimes we have to accept they might just not happen.
What can we do to help?
- Have a look at timings of the naps. Have they recently dropped the first nap? If so, temporarily bringing the second nap earlier could be beneficial.
- Do they actually need the nap? For older children they may only need a nap every couple of days.
- If they are cranky and need the nap, could you try a nap elsewhere? Contact, pram, car?
- Ensure they have had lots of exercise and daylight.
- Prioritise some calm down time, or a pre nap routine. Especially on exciting days!
- If the nap isn’t happening and your child seems happy, then give yourself permission to let it go, and try again later.
- Don’t waste hours of your energy and time trying to settle for a nap that isn’t going to happen. I usually cap around 20-30 mins max!
- If a nap hasn’t happened always remember you can bring bedtime forward.
Find what works best for you and your family.
Holistic Sleepy Sam 