Do some kids drop the nap at 21 months??

[User24689]

Hi all. My DD is a generally good sleeper. She sleeps 7pm - 6.30am with one nap from about midday to about 2pm. The past week she has started refusing this nap and I have been resorting to driving her around to get her to sleep, like a baby. Yesterday even that didn't work, she fell asleep in the car, woke up after 10 mins when I parked back on the drive and then remained awake for the rest of the day. In the afternoon she was an absolute nightmare, worst tantrums I have ever seen from her. I put her to bed early at 6pm and she slept until 8 this morning so was obviously shattered.

Now this afternoon I have put her in her cot for a nap (went later, 1pm due to her sleeping in) and she has been sitting in there singing for the past half hour.

Could it be she is dropping her nap? She is only 21 months so this seems really early. Plus I think I will go a bit mad if this is the new normal because she really seems to need that sleep!

[Gardencentregroupie]

My DD hasn't napped since she was 18 months old unless she's been ill...

[Silvertap]

Yes and it's a hard stage! I often used to drive somewhere at 1pm just to get them to sleep!

[IBelieveInPink]

Yes, my dd dropped hers at about that age, then we went through a rough stage because she wasn't quite ready but would not sleep. I think we went to a nap every other day first, the second day she seemed tired enough to just drop off, but that only lasted a month or so.

DS is now 20 months... so any day now

[Ecureuil]

My DD1 dropped hers at 20 months. DD2 is now 21 months and is showing signs of dropping hers but I'm in denial!

[themusicmum]

All my 3 kids did by 18 months or so. No point resisting it.

[User24689]

Oh thanks all. This is not the news I wanted but never mind! Did your kids find it hard to cope at first - I mean is that normal or is it a sign that she isn't ready for it? She did go eventually this afternoon and was better for it. I suppose any transition is hard on them (and us)

[Angryangryyoungwoman]

When my daughter dropped hers at around 2 years old, I changed her bedtime from 7 to 6 and that has made a positive difference

[User24689]

Ok that's a good idea thanks. I suppose it is just a case of getting through the afternoon until they build up the stamina a bit.

[Angryangryyoungwoman]

I think that is exactly it. More quiet time for longer at the end of the day, so from 4.30 onwards or so

[LapCatLicker]

My DS dropped all naps at 2. It nearly broke me because he would get very grumpy and difficult around 6pm and by that time I was knackered because I hadn't had any down time all day. My solution, and please remember I was desperate, was to plonk him in front of the telly in the afternoon for an hour to watch cbeebies. It wasn't a nap but it was a restful stretch of time that seemed to recharge his batteries (and mine!). I would let him sit on my lap and would usually doze off while he watched. If he moved I would wake up so he couldn't do any harm to himself.
This lasted for about a year before we both got to the stage of being able to make it through the day without it. I have to say that once he dropped his nap it became easier to plan outings and errands because I didn't have to factor in coming home for his sleep in the middle of the day. Silver linings and all that...

[llangennith]

I was very glad DS kept up his afternoon naps till he was 4yo. However, DD2, thirteen months younger, had stopped napping at 2yo.
It's annoying when they won't nap at 'siesta' time but then fall asleep on the floor at teatime.
DGS napped till 4yo and always fell asleep in the car: unless he was hungry.

[User24689]

Thanks all for your tips! Lapcat no judgement at all. I'm 10 weeks pregnant and knackered, kids TV is getting me through the days frankly.

[OohNoDooEy]

No. He tried to but wasn't ready so we persevered. He did nap on the sofa quite a lot. I'd give the option of "do you want to sleep in your bed or in my bed?"