Sleep Schedule for 5 years and 7 months old

It's completely normal for children around this age to still be taking a nap, though the frequency and duration will likely be decreasing. Most children at 5 years and 7 months are typically transitioning to one nap per day. Some may still be resisting even that one nap, while others might have recently dropped it entirely. If your child is still napping twice a day, consider if the second nap is too late in the afternoon, which could be interfering with bedtime.

A shorter nap duration can be a sign of a nap transition. Many children at this age are shifting from a longer, consolidated nap to a shorter one, or even dropping naps altogether. The 30-60 minute nap is often referred to as a 'developmental nap.' While it might seem short, it can still be beneficial. If they seem well-rested and are not overly fussy in the afternoon, this shorter nap might be their new normal. However, if they are consistently exhausted by late afternoon, it might indicate they still need a longer nap or a more consistent nap routine.

Resistance to naps can stem from various factors. Ensure the nap environment is conducive to sleep: dark, quiet, and cool. Stick to a consistent pre-nap routine, just like you would for bedtime, perhaps reading a story or singing a lullaby. Avoid overtiredness by watching for sleepy cues and starting the nap process before they become overtired. If they resist intensely, a brief period of quiet downtime in their room with a calming activity can be a good compromise before trying the nap again.

Consistency is key, even with nap transitions. Try to offer the nap around the same time each day, even on weekends, as much as possible. Observe your child's natural sleepy cues – yawning, rubbing eyes, becoming less engaged – and aim to start the nap routine shortly after you notice these signs. If your child is still taking two naps, it's important to ensure the second nap isn't too late in the afternoon, as this can interfere with bedtime. Gradually shifting nap times by 15-30 minutes every few days can help ease them into a more predictable schedule.

While total sleep is important, the timing and quality of sleep also matter. At 5 years and 7 months, the recommended total sleep for children is typically around 10-13 hours in a 24-hour period. If your child is getting a solid 10-12 hours of night sleep and appears well-rested, happy, and attentive during the day, even with shorter naps, they are likely getting enough sleep. If, however, they are showing signs of overtiredness like crankiness, impulsivity, or difficulty concentrating, even with sufficient night sleep, you might need to reassess their nap duration or timing.