While toddlers still require naps, many will begin resisting having a sleep in the afternoons. Quiet time in a bed or on a mat with a few books or cuddly toys is a good alternative and very often the toddler will drop off to sleep in spite of themselves. Develop a pre-nap routine to help the child’s natural rhythm.

Often between the ages of 2 and 3 years children will not want to go to bed at night. This is often misinterpreted as a sign that they no longer need a nap, when it is more likely a phase related to that age-group and their search for independence. When this happens parents will sometimes ask that naps be stopped. If you feel the child still requires sleep, you may have to come to a compromise and offer shorter nap or rest times.

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