Adjusting to daycare naps can be taxing on both the parent or caregiver, as well as the child. When infants or toddlers are used to sleeping in an environment with blackout curtains and white noise, transitioning to a daycare setting can be overwhelming and overstimulating. As a parent, it is our job to focus on what we can control; daycare naps are not something we can control. Some babies and toddlers adjust and adapt really well to daycare naps.
Daycare Nap Time
Others struggle, and when some babies or toddlers struggle, it can feel exhausting as a parent after you have spent all day working to handle an overtired and angry little person. Rest easy! We are going to dive into how naps work at daycare, how long they should be, as well as what YOU can do to help your child compensate for those overtired days.
As a mother of two kids with entirely different reactions to less sleep, I understand how hard it can be when your child is overtired and angry. Crying the entire way home, wanting to be held every single second…it can be so hard as a parent to stay calm, cool, and collected. Nap time is a crucial part of any child’s day. Regardless of their age, taking naps provides many benefits, from boosting their mood and energy levels to enhancing cognitive development and improving their overall health. When kids enter daycare, however, their nap schedules can get disrupted due to the new environment and routine. This is totally normal! Any time your child’s sleep environment changes, you should expect a reaction. Even as an adult, I struggle to sleep in a new place.
How Naps Work At Daycare
So, how exactly do naps at daycare work? It truly depends on the type of daycare you are sending your child to, as well at what ages they are servicing.
Centered based daycares usually separate infants and toddlers based on age. They have a separate space for babies, who need more than 1 nap, and children are grouped together based on age. Home based daycares may be on a more set schedule of 1 nap per day. They also may provide a space for your infant to quietly nap in a safe environment with a crib or pack n play.
Daycares typically schedule a designated quiet time during the day when all the children are encouraged to rest. During this time, the lights are dimmed, and soft, calming music or white noise is often played to create a peaceful sleep environment. Kids lie down on nap mats, and while not every child falls asleep right away, the goal is to give them a consistent block of time to relax. For some toddlers, this can be really difficult (especially the 1.5 – 3 year old range). Again, some toddlers adjust to the rules and expectations at daycare. Others struggle until they drop their nap.
The awake time before nap is also crucial.
Daycare providers usually ensure kids engage in physical activities to tire them out, making it easier for them to fall asleep. While some children naturally drift off, others may have difficulty adjusting to this new sleep setting, which can lead to them feeling wide awake during nap time. Understanding the daycare’s nap time routine can help you prepare your child for smoother transitions.
If your infant or toddler is struggling to nap at daycare, read our blog, “Baby Not Sleeping at Daycare” for guidance on how to navigate daycare nap time.
How Long Should Nap Time Be At Daycare?
The length of nap time at daycare often depends on the age of the children. Generally, for toddlers and preschoolers, a typical nap lasts anywhere between 45 minutes to two hours. If your child is taking a longer good nap (more than 1 hour and 15 minutes), then you may need to reconsider your expectations. Children often sleep less than daycare, but if they are getting restorative sleep, then that is something to celebrate! This range is in line with pediatric sleep recommendations, as young children need sufficient daytime sleep to support their growth and development.
Most daycare centers provide a block of time for naps that lasts around one and a half to two hours, which allows flexibility based on each child’s needs. It’s essential to maintain consistency in the nap schedule, as irregular nap lengths can impact the child’s ability to transition smoothly from nap time to nighttime sleep.
If you’re concerned about how long your child should nap at daycare, it’s helpful to consult with the daycare staff about their nap schedule and advocate for what your child needs. If your daycare only provides time for one nap, and your child needs two, work with your provider to set up a schedule that sets your child up for success. Some children may only need a quick rest, while others benefit from a longer, more restorative nap. Understanding your child’s specific sleep needs can help you adjust their routine at home to complement what they’re experiencing at daycare.
How To Get Kids To Nap At Daycare
While daycare staff do their best to create a relaxing environment, some children might need extra help adjusting to naps at daycare. Here are some effective tips to ensure your child is well-rested.
1. Create a Consistent Nap Time Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to helping children nap at daycare. If your child has a solid nap time routine at home, try to communicate it to the daycare providers. Whether it involves reading a book or having a cuddle before rest, mimicking these activities at daycare can make the transition to nap time smoother. Sticking to a predictable routine will signal to your child that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
2. Bring a Familiar Comfort Item
A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can provide comfort in an unfamiliar environment. This small item can help your child feel secure and more willing to relax during quiet time at daycare. While daycares typically provide nap mats, having something from home, like a blanket, can create a sense of familiarity and calm, encouraging your child to fall asleep more easily.
If you have an infant, bring a sleep sack or lovie for them to cuddle with at nap time. Since your child is typically sleeping in a crib or pack n play, having a comfort item can really help them feel at ease at daycare.
3. Encourage Adequate Awake Time Before Nap
One common reason kids have trouble napping at daycare is too much awake time before nap. If your child has been awake too long, they may be wide awake during nap time. Talk to your daycare provider about the schedule your child follows at home, including wake windows, to help ease the transition.
4. Pay Attention to the Sleep Environment
The sleep environment plays a significant role in how easily your child can nap at daycare. Talk to the daycare staff about the room’s setup—dim lighting, the use of white noise, and other sleep cues that can enhance safe sleep practices. A quiet, calming setting is essential for helping children wind down and drift off to sleep. Again, do what you can by advocating for your child.
5. Establish a Nap Schedule at Home
To avoid confusion and inconsistency, ensure that your child’s nap schedule at home aligns with what they experience at daycare. A predictable nap schedule will help your child know when to expect rest, making it easier for them to adapt to the daycare’s routine. If your child consistently takes naps at the same time each day, this pattern will support smoother transitions during daycare nap time.
6. Communicate with Daycare Providers
If your child is struggling with naps at daycare, talk to their caregivers. Daycare staff have experience with different pediatric sleep needs and can offer additional insights or suggestions for improving your child’s sleep.
Ensuring your child sleeps at school is important for their overall well-being. By understanding how naps work at daycare and implementing these strategies, you can help your child have a more restful daytime sleep experience. Whether it’s adjusting the nap schedule at home or creating a consistent nap time routine, these small changes can lead to big improvements in your child’s ability to nap during the day and sleep well at night.
Sleep Shore Sleep Consulting
If you find that you are struggling to navigate sleep while transitioning to daycare, please know that you are not alone. If your child is unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up at a normal time, it may be time to consider sleep training. Sleep Shore offers personalized solutions for each unique sleeping situation to get your little one on track- whether they’re a newborn, infant, or toddler. We also offer in home sleep training services in the Boston, Massachusetts and Michigan area. Sleep training offers babies and children with the skills to fall asleep on their own so they can wake up feeling more well-rested- and in turn, you’ll feel more energized, too!