Sleep Schedule for 3 years 6 months old

At 3.5 years old, many children are indeed transitioning out of daily naps, but it's often a gradual process. Some children are ready to drop their nap completely between 3 and 5 years old. Look for consistent signs over several weeks, such as your child fighting the nap intensely, taking a very long time to fall asleep, or if napping consistently makes them unable to fall asleep at a reasonable bedtime (e.g., staying awake past 9 PM). If they are resisting, don't immediately eliminate the nap. Instead, try offering a consistent nap opportunity and, if they don't nap, transition to 'quiet time' to ensure they still get a necessary rest period.

For a 3.5-year-old who still naps, a typical nap usually ranges from 1 to 2 hours. The ideal timing is generally early afternoon, around 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, after lunch. Consistency in nap time helps regulate their internal clock. It's crucial that the nap doesn't occur too late in the afternoon (e.g., ending after 3 PM or 3:30 PM), as this can significantly interfere with their ability to fall asleep at a reasonable bedtime.

Nap resistance can stem from being overtired or not tired enough. Ensure your child has had adequate morning activity and that their nap environment is conducive to sleep (dark, cool, quiet). Stick to a consistent pre-nap routine, similar to their bedtime routine (e.g., read a book, cuddle, dim lights). If they still resist falling asleep, don't force it. Instead, enforce a 'quiet time' in their room for 45-60 minutes. This provides a valuable period of rest for their body and mind, even if they don't actually sleep, and gives you a much-needed break.

Yes, there is a strong connection between daytime naps and nighttime sleep. If your 3.5-year-old naps too long or too late in the afternoon, it can definitely make it harder for them to fall asleep at bedtime or lead to night wakings. The key is finding the right balance for your child. If they take a good nap but then struggle with nighttime sleep, try shortening the nap by 15-30 minutes, or ensure the nap ends at least 4-5 hours before their desired bedtime. Conversely, if they skip naps and become overtired, this can also paradoxically lead to difficulty falling asleep and more restless night sleep.

If your child has genuinely dropped their nap but still needs a mid-day break, implement 'quiet time' instead. This means having them spend 30-60 minutes in their room or a designated quiet area, engaging in calm, solitary activities. Examples include looking at books, doing puzzles, building with quiet blocks, or listening to an audiobook. The goal is to provide a period of rest and downtime to prevent them from becoming overtired before bedtime, even if they aren't sleeping. Make it clear that it's a quiet time, not free play, and avoid screen time during this period.