Sleep Schedule for 5 years 8 months (Preschool/Kindergarten Age)

Most children naturally stop napping between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. By 5 years 8 months, the vast majority of children no longer require a daily nap. Their sleep needs are typically met with 10-12 hours of consolidated nighttime sleep. If your child still takes a long daily nap, it might be a sign they're not getting enough sleep at night, or it could simply be a habit. While not typical, some individual children may still benefit from a very short nap or quiet rest period if they have very early mornings or extremely active days, but it's important to ensure it doesn't interfere with their nighttime sleep.

If naps are causing bedtime battles or pushing bedtime too late, it's a strong indicator that your child is likely ready to drop the nap. Transition them by gradually shortening the nap duration (e.g., from 90 minutes to 60, then 30 minutes) over a week or two. Alternatively, you can start alternating nap days with 'quiet time' days. The ultimate goal is to replace the nap entirely with quiet time. This allows them to rest and recharge without actually sleeping, ensuring they are tired enough for an earlier, more consistent bedtime, which is crucial for this age group.

This is a common challenge when children drop naps. The key is to introduce a 'quiet time' instead of a nap. Schedule 30-60 minutes in the afternoon where your child can engage in calm, independent activities in their room, such as looking at books, doing puzzles, drawing, or playing quietly with toys. Even if they don't sleep, this dedicated downtime helps them decompress and recharge without affecting nighttime sleep. Crucially, ensure their bedtime is early enough (often between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on their wake-up time and individual needs) to compensate for the lack of a nap and prevent overtiredness.

Consistency and clear communication are key. Explain to your child that while they're getting bigger and don't need to sleep during the day anymore, their body still needs a rest. Frame 'quiet time' as a special, calm period for their brain and body to relax. Provide a special 'quiet time' basket with engaging, calm activities they enjoy (e.g., new books, audio stories, drawing supplies, specific puzzles). Start with a shorter quiet time (e.g., 20-30 minutes) and gradually extend it. Emphasize that it's okay if they don't sleep, as long as they stay in their room and engage in quiet play. Positive reinforcement and a consistent routine will help them adapt.

Inconsistency in napping can sometimes lead to bedtime resistance or fragmented sleep, especially if the school nap is long. First, communicate with the school. Explain that your child no longer naps at home and ask if there's flexibility for 'quiet time' instead of mandatory sleep during rest periods. Many schools are accommodating if they know it impacts home sleep. If napping is unavoidable at school, focus on maintaining an early and consistent bedtime at home, even on school nights. Your child might need to be in bed earlier on school nights to ensure they're tired enough to fall asleep, compensating for the nap. On weekends, stick to the no-nap 'quiet time' routine to reinforce the natural shift away from daytime sleep.