An Update on Our Toddler Sleep Struggles
Remember when I admitted that we were having some MAJOR toddler sleep problems? Our sweet little J.C. was stuck in a routine of waking three or more times per night to be tucked back in and given more milk. I got lots of great advice from my mama friends (which I shared in that post), made some minor changes (including adding a Video Baby Monitor courtesy of Motorola to his room to keep a closer eye on him) and I thought I’d give an update on how things have improved changed.
To Nap or Not To Nap
The Good News: We’re FINALLY getting more than 4 straight hours of sleep at a time! The Bad News: We only get good nights like that when he doesn’t nap or has a very short nap during the day. I know it seems crazy and completely goes against professional advice, but all of my kids have quit napping altogether by the time they were three years old. And it’s looking like my J.C. (nearly 3 years old) is on the same path.
We’re In the Dreaded Nap to No-Nap Transition
When J.C. doesn’t nap, he goes to bed like a dream. Snuggles right into his bed, rolls over, and is out! And out for most if not all of the night. Sometimes waking once, but I can handle that. When he does nap, he HATES to get up from his nap. And then seems too awake to go to bed and night and fights about bedtime. Plus he’s usually up two or more times throughout the night. Sounds like an easy solution, right? No naps! BUT he’s a cranky mess by about 4PM when he doesn’t nap. Gah! It’s the dreaded nap to no-nap transition. One of my least favorite phases of parenthood.
My Solution to the Nap to No-Nap Transition
So I am NOT an expert on this. But this is how I’m TRYING to handle it: with ROUTINE. I’m trying to get J.C. on a napping routine where he naps at around noon each day and I wake him at 1PM. Short and sweet; except with a raging monster upon waking instead of the sweet part. When we manage that, we find the toddler sleep sweet spot. He goes to bed great and sleeps through the night! And on those naps and nights when he’s still pretty active, I can keep an eye on him through my new Motorola MBP36S Baby Monitor.
About My New Motorola Video Baby Monitor
I’m a huge video baby monitor fan. It’s one of the first things I recommend to new moms! Essential for knowing when to “bother” your sleeping baby or to keep an eye on your troublesome toddler.
Motorola sent me their Motorola MBP36S Baby Monitor, and here’s why I love it:
- It’s wireless! (2.4 GHz FHSS)
- It has two way communication.
- It has an infrared night vision camera.
- It has remote pan, zoom, and tilt. (Super cool!)
- Can work with up to 4 cameras (additional baby units sold separately) and offers picture in picture to see different babies/rooms!
So if you need to keep a better eye on your toddler sleeper or are looking for a great baby gift, make sure to check out the Motorola MBP36S! Find out more info and purchase the Motorola MBP36S at Diapers.com!
More Reading on Baby and Toddler Sleep:
Now… what’s your best advice for me? Nap? Or transition to no nap? How does your toddler sleep?
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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Alice @ Mums Make Lists says
I think whatever people say some kids are ready very early to ditch the nap … by the time she was very just 2 my daughter couldn’t get so sleep at night if she’d had a nap anytime after 1 but was nowhere near tired enough to nap at that time. We ditched the nap and just built both some quiet time and some high energy snacks and tea into the period between 4 and 5 when she would sometimes flag. Do hope it works out, it is one of the hardest points isn’t it.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one! 🙂 I all too often hear that he just needs to nap. That’s such a great point, too, to include some healthy snacks to get him through the rough afternoons. Thanks for your support, Alice!