When Should Kids Stop Taking Naps: A Complete Guide to Napping During Early Childhood

Every parent knows that infants and toddlers need afternoon naps. Some may even need to go down in the late morning before lunch. But when kids stop napping depends on not only their age but their circadian clock.

According to the Journal of Sleep Medicine, published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, children should nap until age five, transitioning off of daytime naps before beginning elementary school.

Some kids stop napping earlier. Studies have shown that the longer a child naps during the day, the later it is before they want to go to bed. This can pose obvious problems.

Napping frequency by age and wake windows

Just about everyone knows newborns nap the day away during their first few months, especially their first week on the planet. Just as mama is exhausted from the birthing ordeal, the baby is too—so they may sleep a lot during the first several days. These aren't really naps. They are full-on Zzzs. Baby will wake up to nurse and for diaper changes, but they'll conk out again after that.

True circadian rhythms begin to develop around the first or second month—you'll know because it's often when a baby develops colic. Those are trying times. But by month three, there's a change gonna come.

Wake windows are the amount of time your child should be up before being put down for nap time. One of the ways you can help your child establish a healthy napping routine is by following wake windows during their early days. Here's a wake window chart that may help, courtesy of maternity and pediatric sleep specialist Rachel Mitchell and https://www.thebump.com/a/wake-windows.

Wake Windows by Age

Napping in infants four to six months

Much like setting a bedtime routine, a nap time routine should also be established to help your busy baby settle down for some rest time during the day. That daytime nap is good for you, too, as it gives you the ability to have some rest time. Let's be honest: those first several months after having a baby are absolutely exhausting.

(Snuggle down and say ahh as you settle into your Leesa bed!)

Infants of this age tend to spend about three to five hours each day napping, usually spaced over three naps, and sleep only about ten hours with one or two feedings during the night. This is the golden age of infancy. As your baby's personality flourishes, you'll share lots of laughs, giggles, and fun together. You'll also get more sleep. (Hooray!)

But, depending on your infant's personality, they may already begin to resist nap time. Some babies are so fascinated by the world that they become distracted by all the stimuli and use willpower to stay awake. Of course, this exhausts them, and the baby may become cranky from fatigue. Persist in trying to put them down for their nap time. Eventually, your baby will give in to her need for sleep.

Napping at six months to a year old

As your baby's personality emerges, you'll find this age range genuinely delightful. Some may finally (and blessedly!) sleep the night through. Daytime naps are less frequent and not as long—usually an hour and a half or so, a couple of times a day.

Again, keep an eye on your baby's nighttime sleep quality if they're having a quiet time during the day and having trouble falling asleep at night. That afternoon nap is still a necessity, so don't be quickly dropping naps.

When do toddlers stop napping?

The ages between one and two are a transitional period for your child's sleep schedule. One and two-year-olds still need two naps a day, but as they grow closer to their third birthday, the number of daily napping decreases. Often, you can discontinue the morning nap, with only an afternoon nap needed. Consider replacing the morning nap with a relaxed quiet time.

Napping for preschool-aged children

This is the age when they need for daily napping really begins to wind down. Despite preschools and kindergartens tending to put young students down for communal nap time, some children may no longer need to nap and will instead read, or worse, fidget. When a preschooler is forced to nap, it can be stressful for the child. If your child is ready to stop napping, speak to your child's teacher about an optional quiet time instead of forced napping.

So, when should kids stop taking naps?

There is no exact age when a child should stop napping because every kid is different. But nearly all children give parents signs they are ready for fewer naps—or no naps at all. Here are some common clues your child is growing out of needing a daily nap time:

• They wake up early: If your child is routinely waking up early in the morning, this is a sure sign they are probably napping too much during the day. Rather than eliminating the daytime nap, begin to shorten it.
• They aren't sleepy during the day: If your child isn't showing signs of being sleepy during the day (like yawning or getting cranky), it's time to shorten naptime for a few weeks, with the goal being to stop daytime sleeping eventually.
• They have difficulty falling asleep at nighttime: If your young child can't easily fall asleep at night, it's likely because he's getting too much daytime sleep. Try reducing longer napping before you eliminate naps cold turkey.
• They don't nap at all during naptime: Active kids still need a period of quiet time during the day, but that doesn't mean they need to continue napping. Instead, slightly darkening their room, letting them read or look at picture books, or play quietly, can provide the time to emotionally consolidate, renew their energy, and help keep your child's mood stable.

What about non-napping toddlers?

While most children readily nap, some toddlers refuse to take their naps anymore. Acute sleep restriction effects include damaging impacts on a child's social skills and emotional responses.

Take a step back and see if your non-napping toddler is getting enough sleep overall. If she is, then don't worry, although having to mollify a cranky kid is stressful, to say the least. Is your child finding it easy to fall asleep at bedtime? That's a good sign. But if your child stops napping apropos of nothing and is having trouble falling asleep at night, it may be time to consult your pediatrician, who may refer you to a pediatric sleep specialist.

How can Leesa help?

The age that nap time lessens usually coincides with transitioning to a "big kids bed". And no matter what type of crib mattress you've chosen, the mattress will be firm to help keep your baby safe.

For your toddler's first "big kid" mattress, check out Leesa's Trundle mattress, and more, which is not only comfortable but also affordable for most households. Depending on your toddler's age and size, you can opt for a variety of Leesa foundations, ranging from a platform bed to the Leesa foundation, which can be placed directly on the floor or on a Leesa bed frame.

Leesa's mattresses are made from all-organic materials, and you'll be happy to know Leesa's organic cotton doesn't give off any harmful chemicals or gasses. 

FAQ