Importance of Naps for a Toddler
(413 Words)
Naps are extremely important for a toddler. Most will still take at least one, and some will take two – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The following benefits are some you may see.
The child needs sleep to grow
Sleep is an important ingredient in a child’s growth. It conserves energy and allows their body to help them develop. A lot of toddlers go through growth spurts, and during this time is when they may need to sleep even more, according to Charles Shubin, MD, medical director of the Children’s Health Center of Mercy Family Care in Baltimore. Growing takes up energy that sleep can save.
The child will not be tired
Toddlers burn a lot of energy during the day. Most parents would not exactly describe their toddlers as quiet and prone to relaxing all day. They run around in playgrounds and homes, playing with friends and parents. Most simply cannot keep going like this all day long.
Toddlers have difficulty when they are too tired. Many get fussy and easily upset. They cannot focus on things and may cry. A lot of them get very hyper. They may lash out or be more aggressive. They may just be upset. Naps can help avoid this behavior.
It can give the parent time to get things he or she does
A toddler is a full time job. Most will need to be watched constantly, even in a child-safe house. This can be very straining on a parent. The nap time is the time that the parent can have to himself or herself to relax and address other children or obligations. When a parent gets this much-needed time, then he or she can be a better parent because they are much less likely to feel burned out. They may be calmer when dealing with their children while awake.
It can make their nighttime sleep less
If toddlers forgo naps, then may sleep more during the night. Many parents who have other children may not be able to allow the toddlers to sleep that long. For instance, they may have to wake everyone up to take an older sibling to school.
As toddlers grow, their need for sleep changes, as does how they get it. They may decide to sleep more at night and cut out their naps. Each child has different needs, and napping behavior will depend on them. Look to your own child for cues as to napping.
Source:
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/no-nonsense-napping-guide-for-toddlers