SUMMARY
Afternoon naps are crucial for toddlers' mental, emotional, and physical development, but as children age, their sleep needs change. Ensuring adequate nighttime sleep, offering quiet afternoon time, hydration, snacks, and engaging activities can help. Difficulty dropping naps may indicate a continued need, shown by irritability, difficulty concentrating, or falling asleep easily during the day.
As a learned mom with a growing child, I have always known that afternoon naps are a part of childhood routines, but as kids grow older, the question arises—do they really need them? While some children thrive with a mid-day rest, others resist it, making parents like myself; wonder if naps are truly essential.
How beneficial are afternoon naps?
Naps play a critical function in the early development of a child. Toddlers and young children require naps to assist in their mental development, emotional stability, and physical health.
Naps aid in memory consolidation, enhance learning capacities, and balance emotions.
How much sleep is enough for the child?
As children age, they need different amounts of sleep.
Most toddlers (1-3 years old) need 12-14 hours of sleep each day, with naps.
Preschoolers (3-5 years old) usually need 10-13 hours.
School-aged children (6+ years) can manage with 9-12 hours of nighttime sleep only.
Question:
How old is your child, dear mother?
Does your child need an afternoon nap?
The transition
If your child is transitioning out of naps or already nap-free, it is essential to ensure they don’t feel exhausted by evening.
Here’s how you can help them stay fresh and active without daytime sleep;
The best approach to replacing naps in the afternoon is to provide your child with enough sleep during the night.
A routine bedtime facilitates winding down and good sleep for your child. Adhere to a regular bedtime, turn off the lights, read a bedtime book, and do not use any electronic devices prior to sleeping.
A 30-45-minutes quiet time in the afternoon would be beneficial. Ask the child to lie down and read a book, listen to soothing music, or do something relaxing like color. This helps relax the mind without sleep.
It is crucial to ensure that children have an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated, as well as energy-boosting snacks such as fresh fruits, a variety of nuts, creamy yoghurt, or whole grain options.
These snacks can help maintain their energy levels and keep them feeling revitalized throughout the day. Dehydration and hunger often result in feelings of fatigue, which can lead to crankiness during the afternoon hours.
A little movement helps refresh their mind and prevent sluggishness. Encourage short outdoor play, a walk in the park/field, or stretching exercises to boost their energy levels naturally.
Boredom can make kids feel want to fall asleep. Keep them engaged in stimulating yet non-overwhelming activities like puzzles, craft projects, or simple board games to keep their minds active.
Exposure to sunlight helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Open the house curtains, let fresh air in, or step outside for a few minutes to reset their energy levels naturally.
Here are signs that your child still needs a daytime nap.
Frequent breakdowns or irritability in the late afternoon.
Difficulty concentrating on tasks or activities.
Excessive yawning or rubbing their eyes.
Falling asleep during car rides or while sitting idle.
Waking up too early in the morning and feeling tired throughout.
Are you having any trouble with your child’s well-being, sleep or activity? Clinison Medical got you covered.
Visit us today and talk to your doctor or nurse about your child’s status or contact us on www.clinisonmedical.com or call us on 0704007172/0763172308
Reference:
Author: Christine Atim Atoku
RN Clinison Medical Centre
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