What would I DO with a non-napping 18 month old? (Hypothetically, I hope!)

[newmamalizzy]

So, we're still working on this napping issue with DD.  I really don't think she's "fighting" her nap or anything; she just doesn't seem tired - at least not until way later than she used to nap, and then a very short nap (40 minutes or so) seems to do the trick.  So, let's say it does end up that she just doesn't need a nap anymore.  What then?  What kind of schedule or routine would be suitable for a toddler this young that doesn't nap?  I know quiet time is popular with older non-nappers, but I'm not sure that DD would be able to grasp that concept yet.  She's not super in terms of independent play, either.  Any ideas from people in a similar boat?

[sarahr]

I really, really wouldn't give up on the nap yet. I know with my son (19 months old), by the time he seems tired, he's already over-tired, and will take a too-short nap. I have to go by the clock and put him down to sleep at a good time (for us around 12:30) no matter how he's acting. Sometimes it doesn't work, but often it does.

Do you use a crib? Will your dd play happily in it? If she's really, really not going to nap, I'd still encourage her to play by herself in her crib for as long as she'll tolerate -- work up to longer amounts. She may surprise you by falling asleep, and even if she doesn't, you're still preserving that space for when she's ready to go back to napping.

[newmamalizzy]

Haven't given up yet, but the noontime nap is most definitely gone, so we're trying to fiddle with other times and hope that something works.  1:45 - 2:15 today, and then a VERY grouchy baby for about an hour, and a VERY long afternoon/evening.  I do think you're right, that she may be going down overtired on days like today.  The days that we fail, and even these 30 minute nap days, just seem interminable.  We don't use a crib, although I'd like to try something like what you suggested.  She's never fallen asleep without my touch (except in the car), so I don't think she would just fall asleep, but I'm really looking for a way to get some "me" time. 

[CassnBeth]

There is an 18 month sleep regression. My DD hardly slept for a solid two months and then went back to long napping.

http://www.askmoxie.org/2006/04/qa_18month_slee.html

[newmamalizzy]

Originally Posted by CassnBeth 

There is an 18 month sleep regression. My DD hardly slept for a solid two months and then went back to long napping.

http://www.askmoxie.org/2006/04/qa_18month_slee.html

Thanks for this.  It's definitely encouraging.