Toddler naps

[chazm84]

Hi all, I've hit a new stumbling block and wondered if anyone out there in the Mums net world has been through a similar experience and how it worked out in the end.
My daughter is 2 at the end of this month and has always been a pretty good sleeper (excluding the usual trials of teething, colds etc, regressions etc). She sleeps in her own room and in her own cot and has always had a regular routine ending with her going to sleep by herself for her nap and bedtime.
Recently when I put her down for her nap she has been staying awake for a couple of hours in her cot, not crying, just chilling, and only falling asleep just before her usual wake up time (2-2.30pm). If she sleeps past this she can't get to sleep until much later at night resulting in a very tired and grumpy bubs the next day.
She is well stimulated in the morning and will happily sleep in the pram at the drop of a hat around at nap time if we are out and about.

So is this just a phase or is she starting to age out of her nap? She still gets very tired at mid day but just can't seem to switch off for nap time (I've kept her usual wind down routine). Should I try her without a nap or hope that this is a phase and keep persisting with nap time? And when she does drop off should I wake her at the usual time so her night routine isn't too affected?

[MonsterKidz]

Like anything, stopping daytime naps varies in age by child. I’d say most stop by 3/4 but around 2 is not uncommon.

Both of mine were no longer napping daily at the age of 2 and definitely by 2 1/2.

However, on some days they would have a nap, at first it was every second day, then a couple of times of week.

Every child is different but I’d think if she is in her cot for 2 hours without falling asleep, she’s not tired. Falling asleep at the end of nap time isn’t what you want I’m sure.

If there are days when she seems particular tired, I’d see if she wants to sleep. But after an hour, hour and a half max if she hasn’t fallen asleep then get her up.

Equally, if she will have a quicker nap in her pushchair/car I’d do that. It will be enough to get her through till bedtime.

If she doesn’t nap, just bring bedtime forward.

Good luck!

[chazm84]

Thanks, I'll keep all of this in mind. The issue is mainly mine as I struggle sometimes when she makes a big change to adapt fast enough. I've thought through how to structure our days on those she doesn't nap so I won't be as focused on getting her to sleep.