ALL THINGS NEWBORN, BABY, & TODDLER SLEEP
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7 tips to encourage quiet time for rest when naps end
Dropping naps can feel like a major milestone—and, for many parents, a double-edged sword. On one hand, you might miss the much-needed break in the middle of the day, but on the other, it can open up opportunities for new routines and less restriction during the day. Enter quiet time—a dedicated window for children to rest, recharge, and find calm in their day, even when sleep isn’t on the menu. A daily quiet time supports their emotional well-being, promotes independent play, and provides parents with a bit of respite too. Here are seven practical tips to help you make quiet time a cherished part of your routine after naps are dropped.
Transitioning from nap to quiet time
Is your toddler starting to fight nap time? If they are, it’s possible you are freaking out right now. Naptime is sacred time for moms and the thought of losing that daily time can feel kind of depressing. I get it. As a mom of 3, 3 and under, I want to hold onto naptime as long as I possibly can. Not only is it for my sanity, but it also helps hold off the meltdowns with my toddler too!
So, before you go cry into your pillow, let me walk you through everything you need to know for this transition away from napping. We’ll get into what age you can expect this, when your toddler is actually tricking you about being done with naptime, the real signs to look out for, and how you can drop the nap but still keep a daily rest time (also known as quiet time) for you and your toddler.