17 Month Old Not Napping

I would suggest running her non-stop with activities, both indoors and outdoors and when she says she tired, and begins to refuse to cooperate and play, let her sit in a comfortable chair, or sit on the bed, watching tv or talking and before you know it, she will be sleep. Hopefully for at least 1 hr. I did this with my daughter, which allowed me 1.5-3 hrs of "me" time, and yes she still slept all night. After the first two or three days, she was begging for a nap.

At that age my son was taking a hour to hour and a half nap during the afternoon around 1:30 -3 and then going to bed aroun 730 or 8pm. Maybe your daughter is not tired when it is time to nap, try engaging her in some energy expending activity and then attmepting an afternoon nap ...I went so far as to lay with my youngest son until he fell asleep then I slipped off the enjoy my time.
Jackie

My daughter stopped taking naps around the same age. What I did was "Quiet Time". At her nap time, I would put her in her room to play quietly - whatever she wanted to play - for an hour (usual nap). More often than not, she ended up sleeping and I got a nap too (and it was her idea - not mine) **wink** **wink** But then again, sometimes she didn't sleep. At least I got to rest quietly for a bit. This method stopped the fights and the screaming.

D.,

By the time my younger son was 12 months, he gave up napping --PERIOD!! He also only slept eight hours a night. It may not sound like much sleep for a 12 month old, but after trying everything, including prescription medications, the doctor came to the conclusion he just did not need much sleep. He was very healthy otherwise.

Different children need different amounts of sleep. She sounds pretty normal to me. You could talk to her pediatrician about it. Also, you may want to take a close look at maybe trying to alter her go to bed and get up times, so that you can use a little of that time for yourself.

Put the child in her bed and let her cry a little, she'll fall asleep and she needs it. keep putting her back in until she gives up. It's alot of work, but it's worth it and if she wins this one she will know who's boss.

sounds like she's not getting enough exercise, stuff to do when she's awake to get her exhausted. maybe your husband can go out for a walk, to a park or do something with her then lucnh some milk and naptime. also sounds like you have taken her away from the crib way early. peds recommend to try keep kids in cribs until absolutely necessary, for example, getting out of the crib night after night. when in crib isn't as easy to just roam around and not nap

Hi D.-
My youngest starting fighting naps at a year old. For three months after, I would lay him down, under protest, but he would eventually drift off for about an hour & a half, then wake up a COMPLETE BEAR! I finally decided it wasn't worth it. We struck a deal, that he would give Mama a break & play quietly in his nursery (with a baby gait & monitor where I could see him) for 30 minutes, then he was satisfied to sit & play in his play pen & watch a video. Mostly Barney & Kid Songs. Whew! He's 13 now, but seems like it was just yesterday. He's remained very active & social to this day. Doesn't want to miss a thing.
Good Luck-
S. G

My son gave up naps early on too, but I couldn't give up that hour of me time. So instead of nap time, we have quiet time. I explained to him, he doesn't have to lie down and take a nap, but he does need to stay in his room. He can either nap, play quietly or just hang out, but he needs to stay in his room until quiet time is over. It works pretty well.

Have you or your husband tried putting her to bed later or getting her up earlier? Maybe all she needs is 12 hours but since she's getting it all at once there's no need for a nap. Maybe try 8 pm and see if maybe she'll sleep an hour or so during the day. I know I couldn't deal with no naps during the day either, and my kids are 22 months and 4! Valuable "me" time that I wouldn't get otherwise. Good luck!