When Do Toddlers Stop Napping?

Children under age 1 typically take two naps per day, but as your child moves into his toddler years, his nap schedule can change. Shifts in nap frequency is normal; children need less sleep as they grow older. Until age 5, most toddlers need a nap. The amount of sleep at night and his daily schedule will affect how your child naps. Talk to your pediatrician about how much sleep your toddler needs.

Transitioning

Once your child hits the 1-year mark, she might begin to take shorter naps or give up on one nap altogether -- typically the morning nap. The nap's duration will range, depending on how much sleep she had the night before and the amount of activity she's performed. Expect variations, but try to maintain a set sleep schedule. Most children up to ages 4 or 5 need at least one nap per day or some type of rest period to avoid evening "meltdowns."

Total Sleep

Without an adequate amount of sleep, children become irritable, lose focus and are prone to crying or inappropriate behavior. Though toddlers need approximately 12 to 14 hours of sleep, your child might not be getting it. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 average about 10 hours of sleep per night, according to study results published in the "Journal of Pediatric Psychology" in 2007. After a rough night of sleep, your toddler might take a longer nap. Likewise, if she takes a longer nap, her sleep duration might be disrupted.

Sticking to a Schedule

Maintaining a nap schedule can help get your child to sleep during the day and encourage healthy sleep patterns. Napping in the same place he sleeps and keeping the room dark -- which simulates night-time sleeping -- can make putting him to sleep easier. If your child goes to daycare, mimic the same nap schedule on the weekends or during vacation. Play soothing music or cuddle with him in a rocking chair or in bed to help him fall asleep. Avoid putting him down for a nap or letting him sleep past 4 p.m., as napping too late can keep him up at night.

Going to School

Starting daycare and pre-school or kindergarten can also affect your child's sleep and nap patterns. She may need to wake up earlier or go without a nap for the first time in her life. Make any adjustments gradual, recommends Dr. John Voth, a family practitioner. Put her to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier every few days to instill a new bedtime routine. If she comes home from school tired, offer some quiet reading time. Lying down -- even if she doesn't sleep -- is restful and can "recharge" her without causing her to stay up late or sleep poorly.