Nearly 2 year old doesn't nap

[k8who]

How hard to you push naps? DCG (nearly 2 years old) flat out refuses to nap.. Mom and dad say they don't always nap her and aren't bothered if and doesn't nap. They've also told me she is a terrible sleeper at night and some times is up in the night for hours at a time and is often up very early for the day. I'm
A strong believer in nap time.. But this little one just screams and screams. She's in a separate room but I'm wondering how hard to push it. I actually feel that if she starts napping it might start helping her at nights. Anyways thoughts/opinions/experiences welcome!

[5 Little Monkeys]

I think naps are greatly needed for children under 3/3.5 years old for sure but unfortunately, sometimes children outgrow naps before we're ready for them too.

I would continue to nap her for at least 2-4 weeks to see if it's just a phase she's going through. Most of the children I've had go through this phrase only lasted 1-2 weeks before they were back into routine!

I do have an almost 2 year old whose been here since Spring and he's never been a good napper. If he even naps, it's like 30-45 minutes. Apparently only naps at home if mom can get home down before 1130am but I don't think he normally naps at home. He gets a full 12-13 hours at night though!! Thankfully he doesn't scream though so he has quiet time in his playpen.

[superfun]

So the child is 1? Turning two soon? Yes, I think all 1 year olds need a nap, and I wouldn't quit trying. I bet you're right, if the child gets a good nap, it will be easier to sleep at night.

[Fun&care]

Everything you mentioned points to the child actually being OVERTIRED. So yes, I would continue to nap her because a) she is too young and she sounds overtired and b) you need a break in the afternoon too.

[5 Little Monkeys]

If you think it's over tiredness, can you put her to bed 30 minutes earlier?

[mickyc]

All kids MUST nap in my home until they are 3.5-4 years old. It is non-negotiable! lol

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thankfully I've never really had nap issues to an extreme and over time, it always works itself out but I'm curious as I've read this "naps are non negotiable" often on here..........how do you MAKE a child nap if they aren't a napper?? Like I said, I've had one since Spring and it's the same routine every day and he still only naps less than an hour...most days he doesn't nap at all!! He stays in his playpen quiet for the most part though so I'm happy with that.

I'm just curious how providers actually deal with non nappers because there are definitely kids out there that don't nap lol

[torontokids]

We leave them until the nap time is over and they learn to be quiet until nap time is over.

I have let 3.5+ yr old kids play a Leapster in their cot (with headphones) after they lie quietly for an hr. It is a reward for being quiet though so they don't earn it if they need reminders to be quiet. Most of them sleep though

[5 Little Monkeys]

Yes, I do and have done the same. My non napper is pretty quiet so it's not an issue but if he was a screamer, I don't know what I'd do!!

[k8who]

Everything you mentioned points to the child actually being OVERTIRED. So yes, I would continue to nap her because a) she is too young and she sounds overtired and b) you need a break in the afternoon too.

I completely agree!!

[k8who]

Thanks everyone! I will press on... She has only been coming to me for a month and mostly half days and is picked up before nap time. In January she will be full time and full days so I'm sure it will sort its self out. I'm definitely pro nap but like 5LM says I've never had quite a strong willed non napper! I will press on!!!

[mickyc]

Once the child is with you full-time you will notice an improvement.

[Rachael]

I have one now who is 27 months who doesn't nap. I've had parents claim that in the past but it's never been true. Once I've worn them out they've always slept but not this child.

In his time here though, he has learned to lay down, be quiet, don't bang his legs and rest. Very occasionally, he'll drop off to sleep for maybe 15 mins but it's really the exception and normally if he's not had a good night sleep at home. He does sleep well and through the night at home and he is tired. His Mom would love him to sleep but he just doesn't. Even at weekends, they put him down in his crib for 2 hours to nap and he just sings or chats to himself.