Sleep schedule at almost 27 months

[lmk1]

Ds has been taking anywhere from 1 hr to 3+ hr nap in the early afternoon, and sleeping anywhere from 8 to 12 hrs at night. We've never had a very strict schedule. It seems lately that it's impossible to get him to take a nap until at least 5pm, 6pm or later. And then, he sleeps 3, 4 hrs or through the night. This has been going on for the last 2 weeks. Is this the age when toddlers drop their nap normally? Unfortunately, I really feel like taking a nap (I'm pg)! How many hours do most toddlers need of sleep anyway? Should I just try to get him to bed at 8 or 9 and let him sleep 12 hours? I'm wondering how much he should be sleeping since I know sleep deprivation isn't good for anyone.

[SnglAPmama]

The whole toddler sleep schedule stuff is rough, isn't it? I'm pretty sure my daughter (who turns 3 tomorrow) is in the process of giving up her nap, although we've never had a very strict sleep schedule. She goes to bed between 6 and 7 (just falls asleep nursing) on the days she has no nap and sleeps 12 or 13 hours. As I'm sure you know, everyone is different and has different sleep needs. I'm wondering, when your son takes a nap at 5, is he falling asleep on his own or are you really trying to get him to nap? I would suggest just following his cues. I do not allow my daughter to nap after 4 (that means waking up at 4, not going down) because she will be up very late and will wake up after 3 or 4 hours at night, too, but it took some trial and error to figure that out. As I mentioned, I think we're going through giving up the nap and that's made for some really strange transitioning sleep stuff and afternoon crabby time, but when it comes to sleep, I believe her body will make sure she gets enough. I wonder if part of the situation for your son is that you are pregnant, too. He might just be processing that (if you haven't told him, he might just have an idea that something is up). Either way, when it comes to sleep, I think it's easier to follow your child's lead and not let yourself worry about it too much. Good luck!!!

[lmk1]

When he falls asleep at 5 or 6, it's been my laying down with him and snuggling. I've told him that Mommy has a baby, but I don't think he really gets it at this point. Just seems that 27 months is a little early be dropping his nap...and he's always liked to follow our schedule, going to sleep when we do...which I've been criticized for endlessly by everyone I know, but now he seems to get tired/cranky around 7/8/9 and falls asleep pretty easily.

[SnglAPmama]

I've heard of many toddlers who give up their nap for a few weeks and then go back to napping. I would also suggest the next time someone criticizes you for your son's sleep schedule, offer to have them come stay with you and figure out a perfect sleep schedule for him, since they're SO concerned :P I've finally gotten to the point where I am really able to not take most criticism too seriously because I realize that I am the person who lives with my daughter. I know others mean well, but they do not spend all day, every day with her and I know what is best for her, just as YOU know what is best and what will work for your son. It sounds like it's hard to know for sure if he's giving up his nap but you'll figure it out soon enough. I say whatever gets you through each day works! If it's something different every day, that's ok too!!!

[lmk1]

Actually, dh always complains that ds goes to sleep too late, but then he's seldom willing to enforce the schedule himself!
Dh always starts these conversations with me "What time do you think a 2 year old should go to sleep?" - and then somehow turns it into that I sabotage bedtime. I don't know if there's a magic time that a 2 year should go to sleep...I personally think we evolved to all go to sleep at the same time more or less, with kids napping more. It's not like apes go and put their kids down to sleep at a certain time! I would love it if I had some free time in the evening ... but that usually means I have to go and lie down with ds for over an hour to get him to fall asleep. I guess we'll see if ds starts napping again soon...otherwise, I'll just assume his body knows what it's doing...
thanks!

[jenfl]

My DD gave up her nap at around 20 months -- so 27 months isn't too early. Of course, she's always been a bad napper -- she only napped in her crib for a month or two (right before giving up the nap). Before that, she would only nap being worn (when little) or (when older) in the car or in the jogging stroller/bike trailer on DH's long exercise trips.

Since she gave it up, she sleeps from 7pm to 7am.

[lnitti]

Originally Posted by lmk1

When he falls asleep at 5 or 6, it's been my laying down with him and snuggling. I've told him that Mommy has a baby, but I don't think he really gets it at this point. Just seems that 27 months is a little early be dropping his nap...and he's always liked to follow our schedule, going to sleep when we do...which I've been criticized for endlessly by everyone I know, but now he seems to get tired/cranky around 7/8/9 and falls asleep pretty easily.

7/8/9 is a great time for him to go to sleep, then he will probably sleep a good 10-12 hours at night.

My dd1 gave up naps at almost 2 1/2. She was not in any daycare or anything.

My dd2 is 28 months, and when she is home, she does not nap. Even when we were home for a week and a half over christmas/new years time, she did not nap. But she attends a Montessori school, and she does nap for them. Those days she has to go to bed later, and it is harder for her to go to sleep. I prefer the no-nap easy to sleep nights! I think however that they are required to offer her a nap time, but I don't know, I haven't asked.

[PatchChild]

DS started to give up his nap around two. I agree strongly with those who say no nap and early/easy to sleep is best. Surprisingly, DS did get back into napping around 2.5, thank goodness.

[Rowansmama]

Originally Posted by lmk1

Just seems that 27 months is a little early be dropping his nap

I know your pain. DD dropped her nap at around 23 months. She's now 26 months and we've finally settled into a great routine. When she used to nap, she'd be up until about 9, but now she's asleep by 7:30 every night. She sleeps through until 8:00 or 9:00 usually, so I don't feel like she's missing any needed sleep.

I think all kids are different, and even though many need naps until much later, others just don't.

[lmk1]

The last 2 days, ds has actually taken a nap! And fallen asleep by himself. He is sick so he may need some extra sleep...I know I do! We'll see what happens once he's 100% well. Thanks mammas for all the advice. I'm going to send this thread to dh, so he can stop worrying about the exact schedule of sleep (and stop bugging me about it!).