Sleep Schedule for 2 years 7 months old

Nap resistance is common at this age due to developmental milestones (increased independence, language bursts, imaginative play) or simply testing boundaries. Ensure your child isn't overtired (missing the nap window) or undertired (not enough wake time). Maintain a consistent, calming nap routine (e.g., dim lights, story, quiet cuddle). Even if they don't sleep, enforce "quiet time" in their room for 45-60 minutes. This provides a rest and teaches them independent quiet time, which is still beneficial. Reassure them you'll be nearby.

Most 2 year 7 month olds thrive on a single afternoon nap lasting between 1.5 to 3 hours. If your child's nap is consistently short, consider a few factors: 1. **Wake Windows:** Are they sufficiently tired? The wake window before the nap should typically be around 5-6 hours. 2. **Nap Timing:** Is the nap too late or too early? A midday nap (e.g., starting between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM) works best for most. 3. **Environment:** Is the sleep environment dark enough, quiet, and cool? 4. **Overtiredness:** Sometimes overtiredness leads to a shorter, more restless nap. An earlier nap might help. If the short nap leads to overtiredness before bedtime, consider an earlier bedtime to compensate.

While nap resistance is common at this age, it's generally too early for a 2 year 7 month old to permanently drop their nap. Most children need a nap until age 3-4, and sometimes even 5. Signs they might *temporarily* resist or be ready for a later nap include: taking over 30 minutes to fall asleep for nap, nap starting very late (after 2 PM) and pushing bedtime, or waking up very late in the morning. Instead of dropping it, focus on: **Later Nap Start:** Push the nap start time by 15-30 minutes if they're taking a long time to fall asleep. **Enforced Quiet Time:** Even if they don't sleep, consistent "quiet time" in their room provides much-needed rest and downtime. **Early Bedtime:** On days they truly skip the nap, ensure an earlier bedtime to prevent overtiredness, which can cause night wakings or early mornings.

For a 2 year 7 month old, the ideal nap typically falls in the middle of the day, usually starting between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. This allows for a solid wake window after morning wake-up (5-6 hours) and ensures they have enough time to build sleep pressure again before bedtime. The end of the nap is crucial for nighttime sleep. Aim for at least 4-5 hours of wakefulness between the end of the nap and bedtime. A nap that ends too late (e.g., after 3:30 PM - 4 PM) can significantly push back bedtime, making it harder for your child to fall asleep at night. Conversely, a nap that ends too early might mean they become overtired before bedtime, also making it harder to fall asleep or leading to night wakings.

It happens! On days your child skips their nap, the most crucial adjustment is an earlier bedtime. Bring bedtime forward by 30-60 minutes to compensate for the lost daytime sleep. **Avoid:** Don't try to force a late nap, as this can interfere with nighttime sleep. Also, avoid overstimulating activities in the late afternoon. **Focus on:** Engage in quiet, calming activities. Ensure a relaxed dinner and bedtime routine. The goal is to get them to bed before overtiredness sets in, which can lead to difficulty falling asleep, night wakings, or early morning wake-ups. Prioritize a good night's sleep to reset their sleep schedule.