Refusing Naps

My 6 month old has now decided to boycott naps.  She went from 2 naps a day and sleeping through the night to naps of 1/2 hour each?  Is this a phase?  And yes,  blah blah blah she sleeps through the night.  But it isn't like she is the most happiest baby and doesn't need rest.

Most 6 month olds sleep through the night and take 2 to 3 naps a day. While most children need daily naps, naps are not essential. It is nighttime sleep that is linked to an individuals health. Common things that disturb a child that was previously sleeping well are illness, travel and visitors.

A few things you can try:

Work toward a schedule. I don’t believe in rigid schedules because as children age schedules change. Be consistent on the big things: meals, naps, and time spent out of the house. Spend more time outdoors. Most children love being outside and it wears them out. If all else fail, many children will nap more when they are learning to crawl.

Read all nap related questions - naps

Written December, 2010 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician