3yr old still having 3hr naps - is this odd?

[Ruperta]

He is exhausted and really needs the nap. Today he told me he was 'super tired' and wanted to go to bed at midday.

His bedtime is approx 7.30-8pm and he sleeps til about 5.30-6am (he has always been an early riser but now we have a grow clock he stays in his room til 6am.) He wakes once in the night for a quick wee.

He is so bloody grumpy when he is tired and we are having lots of tantrums. I'm just a bit concerned if the long daytime nap is something to be worried about. I've got a 1yr old too so I have been embracing the nap but now I'm getting concerned that he seems so tired all the time and I have to actually wake him after 3hrs.

The only recent change is that he has started full days in nursery (only 2days per week) about 2 months ago - he sleeps at nursery, approx 1-2hrs. Could it just be a knock on effect.

Do your 3year olds nap? If so for how long?

Both my 3 year olds nap for 2 hours in the afternoon and go to bed at 7.30. Up at 6.30am. Works for us, so not worried about what other people are up to! They will drop the nap when they are ready, and I like the break.

This isn't unusual I think

It's a few years ago now, but I am sure my dd would sleep for up to 3 hours when she was 3 and still sleep at night. I often had to wake her up as I was literally housebound if I didn't

He is probably having a growth spurt or lots of new mental stimulation at nursery, which is a good thing obvs

I wouldn't be concerned

DS is now four, but took three hour naps until he was 3.8. It would take a while to get him to wake up - lots of gentle chatting and encouragement, unlike in the mornings, when he would be in a bubbly mood from first thing (still is). He was getting 12.5 hours a day in total. I loved nap time! I wish he'd have a nap sometimes still, so I could snooze with him.

Thanks, that's reassuring. Sometimes you just start to question if its normal! He is 3 yrs 2months. I do love his naps - today my 1yr old slept for 2.5hrs too - bliss!

Yes, my DD, now 4.7 took 3 hour naps until she turned 4. I think the 3 hour mornings at nursery played a factor. She's in school full time now, so doesn't nap at all. But she has grown so much in the last year and certainly doesn't need the naps. She has more stamina. Though she gets 12-13 hours of sleep a night.

Doesn't sound too unusual, if you look at the total hours. He's having 3 hours at nap time and 9 hours at night, yes? DD is nearly 3 and has 11-12 hours at night and 1-2 hours at nap time. So overall they're both having 12-13 hours.

My 3yo naps anything from not at all to three hours a day - usually about 1 1/2 hours, but longer after preschool mornings. She also goes to bed at about 6.30 and is usually up about 12 hours later (not sure exactly, as she knows she can't come in to us until the Groclock turns yellow) though sometimes I have to wake her at 7.30am. Some kids just need lots of sleep.

My youngest son had 3 hour naps until he was almost 4, he gradually grew out of it. Still loves his sleep (nearly 6) and is often in bed 6.30pm-7.30am.

Will he be starting reception in September? That would be my only concern, if he is maybe try and wean him off the naps before he starts?

My DD is exactly the same age as your DS and had a 3 hour nap today. Her older brother used to sleep like that until he was 4. Then he dropped the nap instantly - there was no gradual reduction. One day he needed it, and then he just didn't.

I wouldn't worry. As long as he is alert when he is awake then just go with it, and enjoy the quiet time!

O he is a sept baby do still got nearly two years before he starts reception. Thanks everyone. I'll make the most of it