Sleep Schedule for 4 years 7 months old

Yes, it is very common and completely normal for a child of this age to have dropped their daily nap. Most children transition out of naps between 3 and 5 years old. If your 4-year-7-month-old resists naps, takes a long time to fall asleep for a nap, or has difficulty falling asleep at night after napping, these are strong signs they may no longer need a daily nap. Focus on ensuring they get enough quality sleep overnight, which for this age is typically 10-12 hours.

If your child shows signs of fatigue (e.g., crankiness, hyperactivity, yawning in the afternoon) but resists sleeping, try transitioning from a mandatory nap to 'quiet time.' Dedicate 30-60 minutes in the early afternoon for independent, calm activities in their room. This could involve looking at books, doing puzzles, drawing, or quiet imaginative play. Even if they don't sleep, this downtime provides a much-needed mental and physical break, helping to prevent over-tiredness and providing restorative rest.

For a child of this age who still benefits from a nap, it's typically shorter than earlier years. A nap of 30 minutes to 1 hour (rarely exceeding 1.5 hours) is common. The ideal timing is usually in the early to mid-afternoon, roughly between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM. The goal is to ensure the nap ends early enough (e.g., by 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM at the latest) so it doesn't interfere with their ability to fall asleep easily at their regular bedtime.

If your child's nap is consistently delaying bedtime (e.g., they take over an hour to fall asleep at night, or their bedtime shifts significantly later than desired), it's a strong indicator that the nap might be too long, too late, or perhaps no longer necessary. You can try a few adjustments: shorten the nap significantly (e.g., to 30-45 minutes), move the nap earlier in the day, or transition to a 'quiet time' instead of a full nap. Observe your child's mood and energy levels throughout the day; if they are overly tired without a nap, a shorter, earlier nap or quiet time is still beneficial, but prioritize their nighttime sleep quality.

Even without a nap, a 4-year-7-month-old still benefits immensely from a period of rest. Implement a daily 'quiet time' in the early afternoon for 30-60 minutes. This is a dedicated period for low-key, independent activities in a calm environment, such as reading books, listening to quiet music, or doing puzzles. This helps prevent over-stimulation and overtiredness. Additionally, ensure they have a consistent, early bedtime to compensate for the lack of a nap and allow for the recommended 10-12 hours of overnight sleep, which is crucial for their development and well-being.