Hey moms,
My two year old just started this thing of talking and singing for up to an hour or so after I put him to bed. He doesn't resist being put down, just says goodnight and lays down. He doesn't cry or anything, but like I put him down at 8 this evening which is his usual bedtime and he is still kind of rustling around and it is now 9, although he might actually be asleep at this point and just getting comfy. Anyway, is this a sign I am putting him down too early? He usually goes down about 8 and wakes up around 8, but lately it has been more like 8:30-9ish because of falling asleep later. He takes a nap around 2 in the afternoon anywhere from 1-2 hours. Sometimes he does this at nap time as well, but has consistently done it for a week or so at night. Any ideas, suggestions, or is this just a normal thing some kids do? Thanks for the input!
I agree that the afternoon nap could be a little late BUT every kid is different. If this is the nap he always takes, an earlier nap won't necessarily change your night time situation.
That being said...YOU ARE JUST BRAGGING, J.! ;-)
He isn't resisting.
He isn't fussing.
He is sleeping the night.
I'm not so sure what you're worried about.
I would do a lot to get my daughter to go down on her own.
I don't see what the problem is. Both of my kids take a while to fall asleep. If he isn't upset by it, not an issue. My 4 yr old still takes naps when needed. They aren't always naps so much as quiet time. He needs time on his own to wind down. Sounds great!
My daughter started that around that age. They just aren't as tired RIGHT when you lay them down. She still does it, but as long as she does it quietly, I don't bother her too much about it. If I really need her to nap and need her up by a certain time, then I make her quiet down, but usually I just let it go and she goes to sleep eventually. If he isn't upset and puts himself to sleep, I would let him be. If you're having behavioral issues or something because you feel like he isn't getting enough sleep, then you may need to address it, but other than that, just let him hang out. It's a good sign that he likes his bed so much and can put himself to sleep without you. Great job!
I think that 2 o'clock nap needs to change. He probably would do better with a 12:30 nap and see if that night time bedtime can go at 8:00pm. In daycare at the age of 2 they eat lunch about 11:30 and a 12:00 nap. It will take you about a week to get him on a new schedule. You may want to wake him up for a few mornings 30 minutes earlier.. then see how he feels around 1:00 to 1:30.. then after a few days, wake him up at 7:00 and see how he does..
He will need less sleep soon, maybe only a 1 and a half hour nap in the next 6 months. It will depend on how active you keep him during the day.
