How to Help Your Toddler Nap

Are you and your toddler dealing with the "terrible twos?" Are you having difficulty getting him or her to nap during the day? Many parents find that their toddlers sleep well at night, but for some reason they have a hard time settling down for a nap each afternoon. The following are some helpful tips that have worked for other parents when trying to get their toddlers to nap during the day:

1. Provide your toddler with his favorite blanket, pillow, and/or stuffed animals. Don't encourage him or her to play in bed during nap time, but allow him to feel comfortable and secure by having access to familiar objects.
2. Make sure that he is not thirsty, hungry, or otherwise uncomfortable. Note the temperature of his bedroom to determine whether he might be too hot or cold. It might help to dress your child in an outfit that is comfortable for sleeping.
3. Use shades or blackout curtains on the windows if the room is too bright during the day.
4. Play white noise or soft music, such as children's lullabies, on a CD or MP3 player.
5. Give your child extra hugs and kisses before you leave the room. Be positive and firm, so he knows that it's time to go to sleep on his own, but that you are nearby if he needs you.
6. If your toddler protests for a long time without sleeping, he or she might be outgrowing the need for a nap. Instead of insisting that he has to sleep, try implementing a quiet time, when he can look at books or otherwise entertain himself for a while in his room.

Some tips and warnings:

• Think safety first. Avoid using pillows or blankets with very young children, in order to reduce their risk of suffocation.
• A common problem is missing the window of time when toddlers are tired and should nap. If they stay up past this time, they are likely to get overtired and irritable. Try gradually changing the routine so that they nap earlier, and see if this resolves the issue.

If you are a new parent, remember that all children are different and that some will take longer than others to settle into good habits. Eventually they all find a routine that works well for them, and this is good news for you!