Tired toddler and naps

[PlumHelper]

I'm at that phase where my little one is nearing the end of nap phase but still needs it. He can be fussy and today when out in the park he was unsettled, tiredness no doubt so I had to give him buggy time and a nap. For those of ye that have went through that phase did you still use the buggy and when did you ease the nap?

I’m not sure you can stop them sleeping! My DD2 had to come with me in the car to get DD1 from school and invariably went to sleep in the car seat. Annoyingly at around 3pm. She was 2.5-3. She gave up naps when she went to nursery full time (school hours) at 3.5 years old. No pushchair after age 3. Somebody stole it! Neither of mine were tired by YR at school and DD1 had a lot of energy. DD2 still is a sleepy head! They are 34 and 31.

I’ve been a private childcare provider for a long time! My own kids, and all my little friends napped until 3.5/4 years usually for 2-2.5 hours after lunch.

Many are at school at 4! Did they ever go to bed after a long afternoon sleep?

I assume you’re asking me? Yes to the bedtime. Usually between 7.30/8 until 6.30/7.

I am in the US and regular school isn’t until at least 5 years old. At 4, a lot of kids do part time preschool. If they go to daycare, they have a snooze there too!

Mine just didn’t sleep at 4. And went to bed at 8! Later than I would have liked I have to say. Other dc I knew could not stay awake beyond 6 pm.

Both of mine napped until school age (age 4 but summer birthdays), after lunch. So we continued using the buggy until then because they wouldn't have had a place to nap otherwise (no car). They always went to bed fairly late but we didn't mind as it meant we had more quality time with them between getting home and bedtime.

I'd keep the nap as long as you can. It's no good for their development or mood when they're tired.

If you need to cut the nap because it's making bedtime a nightmare then go for some 'quiet time' at the usual nap time and an early bedtime. You might have a grumpy toddler for a couple of weeks but they soon get used to it. I'd keep 'quiet time' forever. It's good for everyone to have a middle of the day reset, adults included!