It is a well-known fact that naps are a wonder cure and play a crucial role in enhancing your productivity. No matter what situation you are in, naps have proven to be incredibly beneficial in boosting your memory and performance, reducing stress, increasing creativity, and boosting your energy levels.
In particular, if we talk about babies, naps are essential for them. As parents, you might have heard plenty of things regarding how your infants should be sleeping, rather, how they should be napping.
There is no doubt that napping is beneficial for your toddler; however, you might have heard some facts regarding napping which are not valid.
Here in this article, we will highlight some of the most common child napping myths.
4 Common Myths About Kids Napping
So, without any further due, let's get started in exploring some of the napping myths, particularly about children.
1. If your Toddler Doesn’t Nap, They no longer need to
The most common myth regarding kids napping is that if your child does not nap, they do not need it. This is not true. It is quite understandable that your child may find it hard to sleep during the daytime, but it does not mean that your kid does not need a nap at all. All kids need a nap as it helps them feel relaxed, happy, and energetic.
With the growing ages, kids resist sleeping during the day, but several studies suggest that napping for at least 2-4 hours is necessary as it helps in reducing stress hormones making your child feel happy and energetic.
2. Don’t Wake up Your Baby if They are Sleeping
Many parents get fooled by the calmness and peacefulness their baby is experiencing while sleeping and allow their kids to oversleep. If your child's nap affects their nighttime sleep, there is no harm in waking up your kid from their nap after a certain time.
It won't pose any harm to your baby’s health; instead, your kid will be able to enjoy a peaceful sleep during the night. So, don't listen to anyone who instructs you to avoid waking up your kid from his nap.
3. Skipping Your Child’s Nap will Make Them Sleep Better and Easier at Night
Another common myth related to kids napping is that skipping the naps makes your child sleep comfortably at night. This claim is false as well. Napping and night sleeping are two different things.
Skipping the nap makes your child overtired, hence the toddler may have trouble falling asleep at night. Don't get fooled by the idea that sleep debt will help improve your baby's sleeping patterns or the quality of your child's sleep.
Instead of cheating on your baby’s nap, encourage them to rest for 2-3 hours during the daytime. That's how you can improve the overall wellness of your baby.
4. Allowing your kid to Watch TV (Screen Time) will make them Fall Asleep Easily
When parents find their kids are struggling to sleep, they consider giving them screen time. Parents believe that allowing their children to watch their favorite TV shows will make them fall asleep quickly. This belief is not valid, so don't get fooled by this idea.
Allowing your toddlers to watch TV will inhibit their melatonin which will result in disrupting their sleeping patterns. Instead, a better option is to make your child read a book as it is a much more calming and relaxing option. Reading a book also limits your baby's screen time.
Final Words
Napping is essential not only for kids but for adults as well. It makes your child feel energetic and boosts their energy levels. There are many myths regarding kids napping, which have been discussed in this article. As parents, don't get fooled by these myths; instead, try your best to ensure that your toddlers enjoy a sound sleep during the daytime.