Sleep Schedule for Preschooler (3 years 7 months)

Yes, it's very common for children between 3 and 4 years old to begin resisting their nap or showing signs of being ready to drop it completely. Look for consistent signs: Are they happy and energetic all day without a nap, or do they become cranky, hyper, or fall asleep in the car? True readiness means no obvious signs of overtiredness. If they're resisting but still clearly need it, maintain consistency. If they consistently skip it and remain well-rested, introduce a mandatory 'quiet time' in their room for rest.

Consistency is key. Stick to a predictable pre-nap routine, similar to their bedtime routine (e.g., quiet play, a story, dimming lights). Ensure the nap environment is dark, cool, and quiet. Sometimes, adjusting the nap time by 15-30 minutes can help – they might be slightly undertired or overtired at the current time. If they refuse to sleep, still enforce 'quiet time' in their room. This allows their body to rest and recharge without the pressure of having to fall asleep.

For a 3 year 7 month old who still naps, a typical duration is 1 to 2 hours. The ideal timing is generally early afternoon, often between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. The most crucial factor is ensuring the nap ends early enough not to interfere with bedtime. Aim for the nap to finish at least 4-5 hours before their desired bedtime. For example, if bedtime is 7:30 PM, the nap should ideally be over by 3:30 PM. A nap that's too long or too late can make it difficult for them to fall asleep at night.

Short or upset naps can stem from several factors. It might be a developmental leap causing restless sleep, too much or too little sleep pressure (meaning they are undertired or overtired), or environmental disruptions like noise or light. Ensure their nap environment is consistently optimized for sleep. If they wake up upset, offer comfort and a quiet transition back to activity. Sometimes short naps can be a sign they are moving towards dropping the nap, but if they're still showing signs of fatigue, it could just be a temporary phase.

The transition to a big bed often impacts naps due to newfound freedom. Try to keep the nap routine identical to what it was in the crib. Reinforce the expectation that 'rest time' still happens in the new bed, even if they don't fall asleep. You might consider using a child-proof gate on their door for safety and to encourage them to stay in their room during quiet time. Be patient and consistent. If naps become consistently challenging, prioritize maintaining a good nighttime sleep schedule and ensure they get adequate quiet rest during the day.