As parents, you are told a lot of things about how your children should be sleeping, in particular, how they should be napping. Unfortunately, a lot of the tips and ?facts? you may be hearing from others may not actually be accurate.
To help guide your baby to the best nap, we took a look at some of the most common napping myths when it comes to children.
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1.) If Your Toddler Won?t Nap, They Don?t Need It
Nap time may be difficult at times when it comes to your baby and children, but just because your kids make it hard doesn?t mean they don?t need them. While your children may resist daytime sleep even more when they become toddlers, a lot of research suggests that you should have your child nap until at least 3 years old because it greatly reduces their stress hormones.
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2.) Having Your Child Skip Nap Time Will Make It Easier for Them to Sleep at Night
While it may seem contradictory, having your child skip their nap during the day to tire them out will actually be detrimental towards their sleep later. Being overtired makes it more difficult for your kids to fall and stay asleep at night. Sleep debt will never help your child?s sleeping patterns, so don?t try to cheat by skipping the nap.
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3.) Don?t Wake a Sleeping Baby
Don?t be fooled by how calm and peaceful your baby looks while napping and let them oversleep. If your child?s naps are affecting their nighttime sleep or if it?s just going passed their normal routine time for a nap, ?capping? their nap is a good approach to take.
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4.) Giving Your Child Screen Time Will Help Them Fall Asleep
If you are struggling to get your child to fall asleep for their nap, don?t be tempted to put them in front of the TV or iPad. Doing so will inhibit their melatonin, inhibiting natural sleep patterns. Reading a book will be more calming and will avoid placing them in front of artificial light.
What napping myths have you heard? Let us know in the comments!
