When should your child nap?
The timing of your child’s naps is important since a nap that occurs too late in the day will prevent your child from being tired when bedtime approaches. Generally, the best nap times are as follows:

§         If your child takes two naps: midmorning (around 9:00 to 11:00) and early afternoon (around 12:00 to 2:30)

§         If your child takes one nap: early afternoon (around 12:00 to 2:30); after lunch

How long should a nap be?
The goal for a nap is to allow your child to get adequate rest to fuel the rest of the day. The optimal length of naps varies by age and among children, but the best naps are usually 1 to 2 hours in length. The previous sleep chart can give you a good rule of thumb for your child.

If your child tends towards short naps, don’t give in and assume that it’s all the nap time that she needs. Try some of these tips for increasing the length of her naps:

     Give your child lunch or a snack about a half hour before nap

Make certain the sleeping room is dark.

Play soothing music or white noise during the entire nap.

Make sure that your child is comfortable. He shouldn’t get too cold or too hot. His sleeping attire should be cozy.

Check to see if discomfort from teething, allergies, asthma, ear infection or other health-related issues are preventing your child from taking longer naps. If you suspect any of these a visit to your health care professional is in order.

Watch for signs of tiredness
Tired children fall asleep easily, and your child will give you signals that he is ready for a nap. If he isn’t tired he’ll resist sleep, but if you miss his signals, he can easily become overtired and will then be unable to fall asleep when you finally do put him to bed.
Your child may demonstrate one or more of these signs that tell you he is tired and ready to nap - now:

§         losing interest in playtime

§         rubbing his eyes

§         looking glazed or unfocused

§         becoming whiny, cranky or fussy

§         losing patience with toys, activities or playmates

§         having tantrums

§         yawning

§         lying down or slumping in his seat

§         caressing a lovey or blanket

§         asking for a pacifier, bottle or to nurse

Once you have created a nap schedule that works with your child’s daily periods of tiredness, follow a simple but specific nap routine. Your child will be most comfortable if there is a predictable pattern to his day. He may come to predict when his naptime approaches and willingly cooperate with you.

How nap routines change
Children’s sleep needs change over time, so remember that the routine that you set up today won’t be the same one you’re using a year from now. Be adaptable!