Toddlers typically drop their naps between the ages of about 3 to 4 years old. Some children may stop napping as early as 2.5 years, while others might continue until around 5 years old. The transition away from naps is gradual, with many children going through a phase of sometimes napping and sometimes not before giving up naps altogether. By the age of 3, roughly 43% of kids no longer nap, increasing to 74% by age 4 and 85% by age 5.
Signs that a toddler is ready to stop napping include:
- Taking a long time to fall asleep at nap time or bedtime.
- Not seeming tired during usual nap times.
- Frequently skipping naps.
- Nap time pushing bedtime later and reducing nighttime sleep.
- Being able to stay awake comfortably for extended periods during the day.
It is recommended to take a gradual approach to dropping naps to avoid overtiredness, and transitioning to quiet time instead of napping is common once naps are dropped.
In summary:
- Most toddlers drop naps between 3 and 4 years.
- Some as early as 2.5 years, some as late as 5 years.
- Watch for signs of readiness to make the transition smooth.
