Transitioning From Nap Time to Quiet Time
Is your toddler ready to drop their nap? You may dread the day that you’ll no longer get a predictable break in the afternoon while your child naps. Even if your toddler is ready to stop napping, some quiet alone time is still crucial for both you and your toddler. In this post, I will cover signs your child needs to drop a nap, what quiet time is, and how to transition from nap time to quiet time.
Is my toddler ready to drop their nap?
When you hear about quiet time, you may first wonder when this transition happens and if your toddler is ready.
4 signs your toddler is ready to drop their nap:
Your toddler is refusing their nap. If your toddler refuses their nap, it is important to keep offering it at first. Toddlers are going to go through sleep regressions, developmental leaps, separation anxiety, teething, etc. If your toddler is refusing to nap, continue offering the time and space for them to sleep every day. If you have remained consistent, they refuse their nap for a few weeks, and they don’t seem too overtired when they skip their nap, they most likely don’t need it anymore.
Nights are challenging. You’ll find they no longer seem tired at their usual bedtime. They may also start waking more in the middle of the night. During the wake-ups, it can seem like they aren’t very tired. They may be happy and ready to play.
Early morning wake-ups. If your child was once sleeping until a decent time and suddenly starts waking up earlier and earlier, it may be because of their nap. Your child may wake up early and not seem too overtired during the day. If early morning wake-ups stick around for a few weeks, it could mean your child is ready to drop their nap.
It is age-appropriate. Most toddlers are ready to stop napping somewhere around 3 years old. So if your child is around 3 and showing one or more of these signs, they could be ready to drop their nap.
A quick note about toddler daytime sleep! If your toddler is taking a long nap and starting to show some of these signs, you can try capping their daytime sleep first before dropping the nap completely. We want to keep the nap around as long as possible. Start by reducing their sleep by 15 minutes at a time before deciding to drop the nap altogether.
Transitioning to quiet time
So you’ve determined that your toddler is ready to stop napping. Now what? Do we have to give up our glorious break in the middle of the day? Absolutely not! Both you and your toddler will benefit from quiet time. It’s important to have some space to play independently, rest, and reset.
What is quiet time?
Quiet time is similar to nap time, but we take away the expectation of our children to fall asleep. It is one hour of downtime where your child can play in their room quietly (without a screen! No judgment if you implement screen time with your child, but save that screen time for later!)
Your child can have the light on in their room during quiet time. You can let them play with quiet toys, look at books, color, listen to audiobooks, etc. Anything to keep them occupied quietly for an hour. If they happen to fall asleep during quiet time, great!
How do I implement quiet time?
You may be thinking, ok this quiet time thing sounds great! But how exactly do I get my child to play nicely in their room for an hour? Consistency, clear expectations, and practice.
Prep. First, you will want to start preparing them for this transition. Spend some time talking about quiet time. Explain that instead of taking a nap, they will get to play quietly in their room. You can show them all the things they are allowed to play with during quiet time. You can even practice quiet time before implementing it. Get your toddler set up in their room, explain the expectations during quiet time, and walk out the door (even just for a minute). Then celebrate your toddler for playing independently for that minute!
Consistency and clear expectations. Your child needs to know exactly what they can play with at quiet time and where they need to stay. I find an ok-to-wake clock or a visual timer to be extremely helpful during quiet time. If your toddler comes out of their room before the hour is up, you can calmly and quietly walk them back to their room, validate their feelings, and reinforce the boundary. This might sound something like, “I know, I love you and I can’t wait to play with you after quiet time too. Right now it is time to play in your room. I will see you when your timer goes off.” Celebrate your toddler for being in their room when quiet time ends. With repetition and consistency, your toddler will eventually catch on and happily stay in their room for quiet time.
Set them up with activities they can do. So often we are telling our toddlers what they can’t do. Instead of listing all the activities they can’t do during quiet time, set them up with things they can do. During quiet time your toddler can color, look at books, listen to stories, and play with quiet toys.
The Toniebox and Yoto Mini have kept my children entertained for hours on end. I always have them pick a story to listen to while they do quiet time. It can be a nice way for them to feel less alone.
I also love Water Wows or these sticker books because I don’t need to worry about them coloring on things they aren’t supposed to while they are alone.
Finally, some of my toddler’s favorite toys to play with during quiet time are this train, this dollhouse, and these tiles.
Struggling with toddler sleep?
Do you want one-on-one support when transitioning to quiet time? Or are you struggling with bedtime or middle-of-the-night wakings with your toddler? Schedule a 30 or 60-minute consult here. Not sure which consultation would work best for your situation? Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call first!
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