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Top parenting stories this week
Naptime Solutions
August 13th, 2009
Naptime is important–for both mom and baby. Here’s how to make sure your child is getting sufficient daytime sleep.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
In This Article
Naptime
- Naps are crucial to a child's growth and development.
- You can tell your child needs more naptime if she seems to have more patience earlier in the day, cries more easily in the evening or has temper tantrums during her bedtime routine at night.
- A three-month old needs to nap for five to six hours a day; a two-year-old should nap for one to two hours.
- Watch for cues that your child is ready for a nap (such as losing interest in playtime, becoming fussy or rubbing her eyes) - if you miss those cues she may become overtired and unable to fall asleep.
- Tips for better naps include: keeping the room dark, playing soft music and dressing your child in comfortable clothes.
aps are important for your child's health and development. A nap refreshes a child so she can maintain her energy for the rest of the day. Studies show that children who nap are more adaptable, have longer attention spans and are less fussy than those who don't nap. Here's how to help your child get the rest she needs:
Does your child need a nap?
Your child would probably benefit from a nap if you notice that she:
- Wakes up happy, but gets cranky later.
- Has more patience early in the day.
- Cries more easily in the evening.
- Has an afternoon slump, then gets a second wind.
- Has temper tantrums during the bedtime routine.
- Falls asleep in the car or when watching TV.
sleep, naps, naptime, naptime solutions, infant naps, toddler naps, elizabeth pantley, baby napping
