Going to bed really late, but can't give up nap

[ifaistos]

We're stuck with DD1's sleep/nap patterns. She's 2 1/2. She's been going to sleep at around 11.30pm/midnight for a long time now, and waking at around 8am. She's never needed much sleep.

It used to suit us because we lived in a country where this was normal. Now we're not, and I want my evenings back, plus she's starting nursery and needs to wake up earlier.

If left to her natural rhythm, she'll have an afternoon nap for about 2 hours. We've tried reducing her nap time more and more but she still goes to sleep really late. We've tried a nap of just 30 mins, she's still not sleepy before about 11. on the other hand, if we cut out the nap altogether, she'll go to sleep at about 8pm, but will completely fall to pieces at around 5pm, which means it's nearly impossible to get any dinner down her. We can't seem to get a happy balance.

Any advice for us? thanks.

[thisisyesterday]

i would cut the nap out completely. feed her at 4 or 4.30 before she starts getting over-tired and then put her to bed at 6.30 or 7

she'll soon even herself out

[dairymoo]

I agree. Most LOs in the process of giving up a nap 'hit the wall' at about 5pm. It'll be a couple of weeks of pain for, hopefully, a reward (i.e. earlier bedtime) soon.

Just feed her earlier and have quiet time afterwards until bath and bedtime, she'll adjust with time.

[ifaistos]

Thanks will try that. Will dinner time eventually get later again then? Also is no nap usual for her age? I only ask because we're in france where kids are given nap time for the first 2 yrs of school (3-5 yrs old). They all seem to be on exactly the same schedule here...

[amijee]

A lot of kids still have and need a nap this age.

You could try simultaneously bringing her bedtime forward by 10 - 15 mins a day and cutting her nap by a certain amount but you have to go very slowly.

It's a bit like coping with jetlag - the body's rhythm doesnt suddenly change because you decid on a certain bedtime.

[Bobbiesmum]

No advice but my 3 year old dd is exactly the same. People are horrified at her bed time! I hope you het this sorted and I will watch this thread with interest!