Toddler Napping to Quiet Time

7 Tips to Transition Your Toddler from Napping to Quiet Time

Successfully transitioning your toddler from napping to quiet time is not only possible, but it is good for them and it will still give you your (much needed) own quiet time. 

However, I’ve learned through coaching many parents through my sleep training (and also experiencing this with my own children) that there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier! 

Tips for a successful transition from napping to quiet time:

1. SAFETY: Your toddler may still be in a crib but they may also be in a floor bed or toddler bed. If that’s the case, ensure the entire room is baby proofed because the aim is to leave them unsupervised while awake.

2. ACTIVITY: Choose something that your toddler enjoys, can do independently, and is calm play. This may include books, puzzles, coloring or figurines. 

3. ROUTINE: Stick to the same time schedule and complete the same snap routine you would if they were going to nap. Dimming the lights is ideal—just enough so they can see their activity, but not too bright that it overstimulates them.

4. PREP: Talk to your toddler about what quiet time will look like. Hype it up and get them excited about it, but also have realistic expectations. I recommend beginning with a shorter quiet time (5 –10 minutes) and extending it as they begin to understand what quiet time is and enjoy being on their own. 

5. TIMER or GROW CLOCK: Toddlers have none, or very minimal, concept of time and, therefore, it can be helpful to have a visual so they know how long quiet time is. A visual timer is great for this or if they already have a grow clock you can use this. 

6. MOVE BEDTIME EARLIER: When your little one stops napping, you will likely need to move their bedtime earlier while they adjust to the reduced overall sleep within a twenty-four-hour period. It may take some time to find their ideal new bedtime so don’t be afraid to experiment. 

7. USE A BABY-MONITOR: Use a baby-monitor to watch them initially so that you don’t need to go into their room to check on them.