The Importance of Nap Time!

The Importance Of Nap Time 

Whilst a good nights sleep is important, it can be just as important to maintain your child’s nap routine. 

Did you know when a child naps it improves their physical and mental health? 

We know many parents feel that if their child naps in the day, this will directly affect their evening routine and sleep schedule.

You may notice your little one becoming irritable during the late afternoon and finding they become upset.

This can simply be because they are tired and are not quite ready to stop their afternoon nap.

Does my child need a nap? 

From the moment a baby is born, they are learning. This development increases as they grow and learn more. Naps give their bodies and minds time to recharge, ready to continue their learning and development. Studies have shown that a tired child, is neither willing or capable to learn new and exciting things. Sleep provides much needed down time, to ensure they are physically and mentally ready to learn new skills and fine tune their development. Lack of sleep and rest time can also make children sad and emotional, affecting a child's emotional health. Which can be as hard on parents and carers, as it is on the child.  

In actual fact, a toddler needs around 12 to 14 hours sleep, including naps. Which is why your early riser may still be sleeping up to 3 hours in the day. Research suggests that if your child is consistently waking early, their day time nap may need reducing, as their full sleep cycle is completed earlier.

This simply means your little one may need to nap earlier in the day and be gently woken up a little sooner, we suggest that naps shouldn't be cut any shorter than 60 minutes, to ensure a purposeful, restful sleep.

As your child grows, the time they nap will naturally begin to reduce, until they no longer need one. But remember even the most well rested child, may some times have an afternoon doze. Some days are busier than others and some days are so full of learning and growth, that they need to recharge, just a little nap can top up their batteries for the rest of the day. 

We also believe that children should be gently woken in a respectful manner, allowing them to wake without being startled and in a positive, nurturing way. Ensuring they are ready for the learning possibilities that await them in the afternoon. 

Did you know, an overtired child, actually finds it harder to fall asleep in the evenings? 

Remember to follow safe sleeping guidance, even for naps! 

We follow advice from The Lullaby Trust, further advice on safe sleeping can be found here: The Lullaby Trust - Safer sleep for babies, Support for families