Dear Kay,
My 16 month old son doesn’t seem to want to nap anymore. He has been sleeping through the night from 7:30pm to 6am, but recently he has been waking up later, around 7am-8am. Right now, he is resisting all naps (he usually takes 2 during the day) and it seems as though he is afraid of his crib…he keeps referring to it as a “horse”. I correct him when he says this and tell him it is his bed and it is where he sleeps and naps. He also cries when I put him to bed for the night now, but I hug and reassure him and leave him..he usually settles to sleep in a few minutes. I try to do the same for his naps, but he cries for over 30 minutes and does not end up napping. I am not sure what to do.
Thank you for your help.
Well what your doing has worked in the past however it is obviously not working for either of you now. Maybe he has outgrown an extra nap??
Also, check your bedtime routine. Children are very dependent upon routines to provide a sense of security and safety. Feel free to peruse past postings and answers here to read up on bedtime routines and how to set them up. There are many valuable suggestions which help children sleep better.
Best Wishes!
M Kay Keller
