Everyone experiences parenting differently, but there always seems to be a constant: as soon as we figure something out, our children change and we are presented with a whole new set of challenges. That’s true for the transition between baby and toddler years, especially when it comes to sleep. Here are some ways you can a help a toddler who refuses to nap.

1. Expect a bit less

As a baby, your child napped two to three times a day. As a toddler, even though she is far more active, she’ll float toward one nap a day. It’s common to experience an interim period where somedays she naps once and others she naps twice, depending on her body’s needs. Don’t force a nap when there aren’t any tired signs, but don’t keep her awake either. However, one nap a day is still needed.

2. Don’t turn nap time into fighting time

Do your best to keep all tension and frustration out of your voice and demeanor. Don’t use harsh words or language or you’ll sour the going-to-sleep experience. Be firm about nap time. Your child is smart enough to understand that all those wonderful toys are still around when she’s asleep, so the resistance may pick up. Once you’ve laid her down to sleep, do not remove her from the crib or lie down with her until she has fallen asleep or you’ll create a pattern of giving in.

3. Follow the bedtime ritual

Hopefully by now you’ve established a bedtime routine that works for your family. This might include an hour of quiet play (no TV or music or rough housing), a bath, a few story books, and then bed. Use this routine to your advantage just before nap time (although you probably won’t give an extra bath).

4. Maintain the sleep space

The best place for your child (and anyone, for that matter) to sleep is the same place they always do. Don’t let them nap on the couch or the floor or your bed. If they fall asleep elsewhere, transfer them to their own sleep space. They need to associate their sleep space with comfort, security and rest.

5. Keep the routine

If you’re one of those go-go-go parents who is always out of the house, you might find your children struggle with napping. Kids need routine for their bodies and brains to depend on. Make it a point to be home and in “nap time mode” during their usual tired times. Yes, your kids may be able to make it another hour without becoming fussy, but you aren’t giving them a schedule to depend on. Tomorrow, who knows when they’ll sleep?

Like most parents, I’m sure sleep schedules changed for your children when they became toddlers. How did you help a resistant toddler take a nap?

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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