If you’re a Mum with other Mum friends, you have almost certainly heard talk of the “danger nap” You may find yourself asking;
What is a danger nap? What is wrong with a danger nap? How can I prevent these danger naps?
Read on, I’ll explain everything.
Table Of Contents
What is a danger nap?
A danger nap is when your toddler has an unplanned nap late in the day.
These naps are unscheduled and unhelpful and usually begin after the 3-4pm mark. These naps are to be avoided at all costs if you want to save your sanity and your sleep – let me explain why.
Why are danger naps dangerous?
The danger of the danger nap is that it can have a detrimental impact on bedtime and a knock-on effect on nighttime sleep. When your toddler is allowed to recharge this close to dinner and bedtime, you can kiss goodbye to a calm and peaceful bedtime. Instead, say hello to your wideawake toddler who is all set to party all night – all thanks to 40 winks taken too late in the day.
How can I avoid danger naps?
There are a few ways to avoid these seemingly harmless naps that are actually one of the main causes of bedtime blues for Mums. Read on for how to avoid the danger nap.
Routine is the secret
If you have read some of my other blog posts, you will know that my chaotic life as a Mum of four is held together primarily by one thing – routine. Now, routine is actually the answer to many parenting woes, from sleep issues to organisation and productivity to generally not losing your mind as a Mum.
In this case, routine is relevant because it encourages your toddler to sleep at the “right” times, hence decreasing their likelihood of nodding off at the “wrong times”.
Simply put, adhering to a day and nighttime routine for your toddler will mean that they sleep at times that mean they are most likely to be appropriately drowsy at bedtime and ready to sleep for the longest stretch at night (so that you can too).
What is this routine that you speak of?
Fear not, I’ve got you covered. You shan’t be left to figure this routine malarky out alone, I have several posts that will help you find your way to a routine that works for your family, plus help with implementing it.
Awareness is everything
If you know what to look for when it comes to danger naps, or more to the point, when to look for it, you’re halfway there. If you know that danger naps can occur, you can keep an extra close eye on your little one at these times. If you’re aware and looking out for the problem, they are less likely to sneak off and be found curled up in a ball stealing 40 winks.
Keep a close eye on your toddler at these times, look for signs that they are about to fall asleep and take steps to divert and engage them when slumber approaches.
Avoid high-risk situations as all costs
Car journeys, pram rides and snuggly times, whenever possible, should be avoided late in the afternoon, if your child is a known danger nap-per.
If you do not have children of school age, this simply means arranging your days so that you are taking these journeys that come with a nap risk earlier in the day.
If you have school-aged older children who need to be collected during the high-risk times, wherever possible try to walk to get them rather than take the car.
Even if the journey is so long that your toddler must be in a pram, it is far easier to keep them awake in the pram, when facing you especially, than in the back of the car.
Better yet, rather than using a pram for these journeys, a less snooze-inducing mode of transport that your toddler will love could be the answer. If the route allows it, a scooter could be the answer. For more hazardous routes that include roads, a push along trike or car is ideal. We love out push-along pink car for these trips (as does every other child who passes and covets it).
And if you absolutely must use the car at these times?
Here are some ideas for avoiding danger naps in this situation;
- Keep journeys as short as possible, no detours or extra errands at this time.
- Keep the windows down for fresh air.
- Enlist the help of older children to keep your toddler engaged and entertained.
- Sing with, chat with and generally engage with your toddler. Keep their brains active and alert. This also helps you to gauge how sleepy they are.
- If all else fails, pull over at a safe place, get them out of their seat and give them a drink before recommencing your journey.
Have you been a victim of a danger nap?
Let me know if your child danger naps in the comments. Don’t forget to let me know what sort of impact it has on your evening and night time.
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