Tips and tricks for successfully replacing the midday nap with quiet time.
Around age 3, many toddlers transition away from taking a midday nap. But take heart my worried parents! You will now replace that nap with quiet time.
Continue reading to understand why you should use quiet time + tips for making this transition more successful!
3 Reasons to Implement Quiet Time
1) Many toddlers resume their nap.
I see it all the time; a 2.5 or 3 year old fights their nap a few times and the parent thinks to themself - well I guess our napping days are over!
But that toddler is suddenly melting down more in the afternoon, falling asleep in the car during the late afternoon, and waking up tired and grumpy in the morning.
Introducing quiet time removes the pressure of nap time, while still providing a relaxing environment. The result is that many toddlers will start napping again! Don't be alarmed if they fall asleep on the floor or with a book on their face.
2) It's an opportunity for your toddler to strengthen their independent play skills.
Eventually your child truly will outgrow their nap.
Continue with quiet time! You'll be amazed with the games, activities, or ways your child learns to entertain themself. Some children are naturally good at independent play. Others need practice. Either way, it's a good exercise for your toddler.
3) The parent or caretaker still gets their much needed midday break.
Benefits to your child aside, quiet time is also a break for the parent or caretaker.
You now have an hour to tackle your own to-do list without interruption. Or perhaps it's a chance for to spend one-on-one time with another child. Or maybe you just want to sit on the couch and scroll on your phone for an hour. The point is, you get to mentally recharge.
If you're thinking to yourself, that sounds great but my child would never do quiet time. Then continue reading on for tips on making this transition!
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Tips To Transition from Naps to Quiet Time
Tip 1: Offer age appropriate choices to give them a level of control.
Toddlers typically crave control. And those who fight quiet time the most often want to feel an aspect of control over the situation.
Below are some examples of age-appropriate decisions your toddler can make:
Do you want your light on or off?
Do you want your sound machine on or off?
Do you want to pick out any books?
Do you want to pick out any toys?
Do you want to pick out any games?
Do you want the blinds open or closed?
Do you want the door open or closed?
Do you want me to tuck you in?
Sometimes a toddler simply needs to feel like they have agency in order to comply with quiet time.
NOTE: For older or more mature toddlers, letting them know they can leave their room if they need to use the bathroom is also empowering.
For younger or more impulsive toddlers, you will probably need to take them potty right before quiet time and possibly help them during quiet time.
Tip 2: Use the door/your presence to your advantage.
If your child struggles with trying to leave their room or protesting too much, using a door, gate, or child lock can be a great way to visually remind them of the rules around quiet time.
Example: You let your child decide if they want the door open or closed. However, if they try to leave, or start to cry/scream, or keep asking you when quiet time will be over, let them know that the consequence will be to shut the door.
Since it's your presence they want, it usually only takes a couple times of having to shut the door before they start respecting the rules.
Tip 3: Incorporate a visual timer or an okay-to-wake clock.
If you have a toddler who is really struggling, they might respond well to a visual timer. For other kids who aren't struggling as much, or have more impulse control, an okay-to-wake clock is also effective.
These tools help cut down on quiet time battles because you don't need to respond to questions about "how much time is left?"
They may still ask - but you don't need to answer anymore!
Tip 4: Quiet time should last about 1 hour.
With my first, I used to do up to 2 hours of quiet time. That was also because she would often fall asleep partway through quiet time. As she fully transitioned away from her nap, I limited quiet time to 1 hour.
I'd go stir crazy if I had to be in my room for 2 hours straight (or maybe that would be a mini vacation to some parents haha) so I quickly realized it wasn't fair for me to expect my 4 year old to stay in there that long.
Tip 5: If your child falls asleep, be mindful of how it impacts bedtime.
If you're hoping they'll sleep, then great!
If you're hoping they'll sleep and they don't, then move their bedtime earlier that day (probably by at least an hour).
But as they get older, a late nap can mess with bedtime. You may need to wake them from their nap after 40-60 minutes. Or you may need to avoid the nap altogether.
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As with any transition, some days are better than others. Don't let a bad day deter you. Hold your boundaries, communicate your expectations, and enjoy your new quiet time routine.
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