One Nap or Two?

I thought I was busy. My girls are 14 months and 2 1/2. I actually think my 14 month old stopped with the 2nd nap around 10 or 11 months. I say I think because it's all a blurr. I'm sure you can relate. I know she has been down to one nap for awhile. I do know that once she started taking one nap she slept much better at night. But my youngest has never been much for sleep. When she is tired you know it and when she's not forget getting her to go down. Now she takes a 1 1/2 - 2 hour nap after lunch and 12 hours at night (sometimes she wakes up early but goes right back we think she is teething). My 2 1/2 year old was probably closer to 14 months when she started taking only one nap. But the girl loves to sleep. She is hard to convince of that sometimes but once she is down its 2 1/2 - 3 hours and you have to wake her up. I'm sure you are frustrated but I think they probably aren't ready just yet. I'm no expert on twins but one thing I have been told and found to be so true is that they are all different. When I am feeling completely frustrated I pray. Sounds simple but it never fails to work.

I have read that many kids don't phase out that morning nap until between 16 and 18 months. I think that when they are close to not needing the nap, they'll not be tired at 9:30 and probably won't fall asleep. Once they can make it till 10:30 or 11, then just feed them an early lunch and let them nap afterwards. Pretty soon they'll be able to make it to normal lunch time.

I understand the confinement. I was in a rush for my son (now 18 months and has been taking 1 nap) to drop that nap too so we could do more stuff. But we made it and it will get better. Just remember, kids are happier if they are well rested. :)

Hi,

I've read children this age need at least 18 hrs of sleep. Yep, that leaves 6 hrs of up time. Ethan is 2 now and sleeps 15 hr a day. He is so healthy. Now he has cut it down to one long nap cause he wants to play so hard. That morning nap should fade as they get really active and their minds are busy, before they/you know it time will have passed and it's really time for a nap. I suppose you could help this along by keeping them out or busy. I regretfully admit we have had to do that some in the past. Or leave it to them for awhile longer, they will know when it is time. I know what you mean about we can't do anything...I'd have to wake Ethan up in the morning and 4-5 hrs later he'd be ready for a nap. So I have to be ready to go with his clothes and milk in hand when I wake him up if we have plans. Actually we still do that, it really knocks him off of his schedule when we travel. He sleeps some in a car seat but not as well as that crib. Routine is very important for them now. Try taking some Mommie time during those naps, do some yoga, watch a show you taped, or relax in silence with a great book, take up Sudoku (it keeps my mind active) Good Luck!
D.

Hi, My son took two long naps until he was about 18 months old. I think its pretty normal. He's down to one 2 1/2 hour nap in the afternoons and he sleeps from about 9:30 at night until 8 or 8:30 in the morning. Other than being inconvenient when you wanna leave the house (lol), it shouldnt be a problem. Good luck!!
M.

Hi N. -

I had to respond, even though our situations are different, because I feel the same way! Some days I feel like a prisoner in my own home! My son is 7 1/2 months so clearly needs 2, most days 3, naps and it can be hard to get out of the house! By the time I can leave, it is b/t 3 and 4 and then I have to be home by 5:30 so he can eat dinner! When I finally can leave, I need to be cooking dinner for my husband and I. It is impossible to take any long car rides or stroller walks in b/t his naps b/c he often falls asleep and throws his whole schedule off..that is bad for everyone (LOL)!

Like people always say, this too shall pass! I have started enjoying the naps for time to get some things done or have a moment to myself, b/c like all things they will go away and I will probably want them back!

Just know that you are not alone with your feelings!

Hi~
My son didn't give up his morning nap for a long time, either. It wasn't just a habit...he still NEEDED that nap. Eventually, though, he just transitioned on his own. I think if you just take their cues, your girls will phase out that nap when they are ready. It's frustrating, though...being stuck at home for naptime!! It's temporary...soon you'll be wishing for naptime again! :)
~L.

Funny you posted this...my twins will be a year old in a couple weeks and we are trying to figure out the nap thing too!
They wake up at 7:00 and are back down by 10:00 and usually for at least 2 hours. They they are back down for an afternoon nap by 3:00 and sometimes sleep another hour-two hours. They have slept great through the night from 3 months on...and continue to do so with this schedule.
We have tried to delete the afternoon nap...NO WAY..not ready.
But it sucks being stuck doing everything after 4:00 PM or else they are crabby!
I feel your pain!