Two Year Old Not Napping?

Hi A.,
I'm not a big medicine pusher if it isn't necessary, but when it came to teeth issues with my son, I'd give it if I thought it might remotely help. Ibuprofen seemed to really alleviate tooth/gum pain (when that's what it was-which was often) and allowed my son to relax better and fall asleep. It wasn't because he was medicated that made him sleep-that stuff doesn't make him drowsy. I believe it was really because it took some of the discomfort away and made it easier to sleep. I always thought it was worth a try to help him out (and me too) and it won't hurt her to give her a bit here and there.
Good Luck!

My daughter went through a couple of periods when she wouldn't nap and I thought, "oh, my gosh, she's giving up the nap already!" But the truth was, I could tell she was tired and still needed it. I just consistently put her down for the nap every day and, eventually, she started sleeping again. She's 3-1/2 now and finally seems to be giving up the nap for good (hasn't had one in over a week).

There are probably lots of things that can interfere with kids' sleep and you can't force it. Might just be a phase. Try it a little longer. Hope everyone gets some rest soon!
B.

I don't know if it's molar related or not, but my 2.5 year old has also started resisting his naps. It's a battle to get him to stay in bed and actually nap.

My 5 year old stopped napping all together around that age. He just stopped. He still needed it also and probably still does most days. I would say keep up with the same schedule because it's good for them to have the quiet time you are providing but if after another week there is no nap that may be the answer. It got to the point it took so much out of my day to try and get himdown it just was not worth it anymore. good luck!

My daughter did this a few months ago (she's 29 months now.) She would throw a fit and say "we CAN'T take a nap!!!" I just stood my ground and kept putting her down just as we always have. Some days were short naps but she eventually got back on track to her long naps. I think it's a phase where they are so independent and want to play all day. They don't understand that naps make them feel better and refreshed. My daughter got her molars around 24months so her nap issue wasn't a molar issue; just a stubborn two year old issue. :-) Whatever you do, do not give up on putting her down because she still needs a nap at that age. As my husband would say "We will win this battle!" ha

It may be a little of both. Could you give her some Tylenol during lunch to help ease her gum/tooth pain? I would keep laying her down, as she may go back to napping. Kids go through all sorts of weird phases-or times when they test you. Even if she just plays in the crib it's a quiet time for her (and you). My daughter gave up naps at 2 1/2. She's 4 now and falls asleep if we drive anywhere during the afternoon!

Good Luck!
T.

molars could definitely be the problem. it's hard to sleep when you hurt! but it's no use offering a reward for sleep. sleep can't be forced. however, she CAN take the quiet time. you're quite right, you both need that. if she lies down or plays quietly for that time, i'd be pleased with her. if she needs the naps, they'll come back when her chops aren't giving her grief. if she doesn't, then a short mental break in the afternoon will still be beneficial, for a while at least.
khairete
S.

My daughter stopped napping early too. Both of my boys are still great nappers though (almost 4 and just turned 2). I think it all depends on the kid and the activity level. Now my daughter is almost 6 and takes queit time, and sometimes naps, on weekends. She could just honestly be out of napping. Make sure she gets quiet time...but she could just be done.

I've learned from my own son, my friends and family and on here, this is totally normal, especially when teething. All the kids seem to go through this phase, my son has done it 4X so far (he's almost 4), where he goes a week or so without a nap, then they're back to napping again. I would stick with your routine and if he teeth hurt or bother her, put the baby orgel on them before nap time, imagine trying to sleep with a tooth ache. Good luck!!

Hi A.~
You are describing my son. He turned 2 in February. His molars are coming in and I've been giving him Tylenol to relieve the pain he so clearly has. (He points to his teeth and says OW!) He has been refusing naps, but he'll sit quietly for about 1/2 hour most days when he doesn't actually nap. I just make sure to put him to bed a little early on those no-nap days. He never refuses that! ;)

My older son, now 4 1/2, also gave up naps at about 2 years. It was a somewhat difficult transition, and a little earlier than your average bear, but he hasn't really napped since then. As soon as he got through the transition, he did ok.

I think some kids just get rid of naps sooner than others. Good luck.
~J