Nap time and your child are like oil and water. They don't go well with each other. Your toddler will fight tooth and nail to skip any shut-eye in the morning or afternoon. They will cry, throw a tantrum, or do anything that will throw you off your game. But, don't give in to your children's whims, dear parent. You know very well how important nap time is.

Since napping is not to be missed, below are some tips on encouraging your child to nap. 

Importance of nap time for kids

Sleep plays a major role in your child's health. Moreover, here are the benefits of an adequate nap for kids:

• According to SleepFoundation.org, it helps in the development of young minds. It directly affects your child's happiness, cognitive performance, alertness and attention, mood, learning and memory and motor skill development. 
• The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds says that napping strengthens your child's immune system. It helps protect froms high blood pressure, obesity, colds, and diabetes. 
• When we are sleeping, our body produces proteins called cytokines. This protein helps to fight illness, stress, and infection. Help keep your child's illnesses at bay by encouraging them to have a fitful sleep.
• Admit it. The time that you are given a break during the day is when your child is asleep. Get the "me time" you deserve as your child naps. 

How much sleep does a child need?

Here’s the age-by-age guidelines for the recommended amount of sleep for children must have per a 24-hour period:

• 4-12 months = 12-16 hours (including naps)
• 1-2 years = 11-14 hours (including naps)
• 3-5 years = 10-13 hours (including naps)
• 6-12 years = 9-12 hours (no recommended naps)

Why won't my child sleep or why are they resisting it?

There are several reasons why kids aren't a fan of napping:

1. They want someone to accompany them while they sleep.
2. They don't want to pass up any activities during the day, considering a kid's active lifestyle.
3. They are feeling restless, anxious, and excited before going to sleep.
4. They feel some physical discomfort like being thirsty, hungry, or wanting to use the toilet.
5. You never include napping in their daytime routine, so they become overtired.
6. They are having nightmares or night terrors.
7. You didn't establish a bedtime routine.
8. Their room isn't the right space for sleep or it isn’t conducive for sleeping.
9. You are quick to give in to their whims and go rush to give them a bottle or pick them up.
10. You didn't settle in with a consistent nap schedule (too early or too late).

Tips on how to help your child nap

Try the strategies below to get your kids to take a nap:

1. It would help if you established a nap or bedtime routine, so they will expect that they need to get to sleep and get the hang of it.
2. Ensure your child is wearing a comfy and fresh diaper and their room is dimly lit with just white noise.
3. If they are restless or anxious, stay with them for a few minutes to settle them.
4. It would be better to leave their bedroom door open so they will hear your movements around the house.
5. Be firm in limiting screen time or using digital devices close to bedtime.
6. Use blackout shades or curtains for daytime naps and make sure their room is cosily warm.
7. If they cringe at the word "nap," call it with other names such as quiet time, private time, or rest time. Explain to your child that you need it as much as they do; thus, making them feel more grown-up.

Perfect Petzzz: The snooze toy you've been missing all your life

How about toys? Is it alright to offer toys before nap time? It is fine, according to Parents.com. In fact, they say that it is okay to allow them to play with puzzles, books, or dolls. WebMD backs this. Here's their thoughts on the topic:

“Sometimes having a special object close by can help a young child fall asleep. Blankies or stuffed animals are among the top comfort objects.”

If you are looking for the right snooze buddy for your kids, then get them a Perfect Petzzz. It is a lifelike pet that can provide the same comfort and companionship as living pets. It is also a great comfort object to help calm your little one before bedtime. Perfect Petzzz is a realistic pet made from 100% synthetic fur and feels and breathes like a real living pet.

What's more, it is well-behaved and emits little snores as it sleeps. Perfect Petzzz' snoring is so calming that it can lull your child to sleep.

Moreover, it offers a real pet ownership experience without the hassles and expenses like vet bills. Yes, you don't have to worry about pet food, accessories, or medical expenses with this lifelike pet. All it needs is unlimited love and cuddles!

Each Perfect Petzzz bundle includes a new plush pet bed, collar with pet tag, pet brush, and adoption certificate. It is available for purchase through our Amazon site. For any other inquiries, contact us here.