As a child, I was not fond of naps. Even as an adult without kids, I found them to be an inconvenience, interrupting my precious time for reading, snacking, or binge-watching shows. But then parenthood happened.
Research confirms that naps are essential for a child’s growth and development. However, what the studies often overlook is that parents also benefit immensely from their children’s nap times, which is crucial for our own sanity. Like many kids, mine often resist napping. But among the various types of naps children take, there’s truly only one that feels like a blessing. Can you guess which one it is?
1. The “I Need” Nap
This is the nap where your child continuously requests something every few seconds. “I need a drink,” “I need to go potty,” “I need a story,” and the list goes on. By the time they finally doze off, it’s practically time to wake them up and start the countdown to bedtime.
2. The Cat Nap
Ah, that moment when your little one is finally asleep, and you think you can relax for a bit. But wait—what’s this? They’re awake already?! It’s only been 15 minutes! Seriously, just as you settled in!
3. The “Not Really a Nap” Nap
You put your child to bed, close the door, and relish the silence. “They’re definitely asleep,” you think, only to find them happily playing with toys or flipping through books on the baby monitor—definitely not asleep.
4. The Accidental Nap
You’re busy in the kitchen making dinner, and your child is glued to the TV. A quick check reveals they’ve dozed off in their chair with a pacifier hanging from their mouth. This nap can also occur in restaurants or during family outings, much to your dismay.
5. The Car Nap
You know how it goes—your child has been chatty all morning, but then, just ten minutes from home, they’re fast asleep in their car seat. You pull into the driveway, knowing if you dare to get out, they’ll wake up and feel refreshed, while you’re still exhausted. If you ever see a parent sitting in their car for no apparent reason, chances are a toddler is snoozing in the back.
6. The Early Nap
Often seen when a child is transitioning from two naps to one or experiencing a growth spurt, this nap typically starts around 9 a.m. They’ll rub their eyes and yawn, and you know it’s best to let them sleep, but if you do, they’ll wake up before noon, which is a long wait until bedtime.
7. The Late Nap
This is the counterpart to the Early Nap. Perhaps you’re out running errands or a playdate runs late, and your child finally falls asleep at 3 p.m. Unfortunately, this means they’ll sleep through dinner and wake up full of energy, keeping you on your toes all night.
8. The “Disturbance in the Force” Nap
Your little one has been quiet for a good while, and you think you can finally tackle that laundry pile. Just when you get started, you hear crying because they’ve soiled their diaper. Now they’re awake and understandably upset; I would be too if that happened to me.
9. The “Never Gonna Happen” Nap
These are the moments when you just know your child isn’t going to fall asleep, yet you still put them in their room, holding on to a faint hope. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work, and moments later, you’ll be retrieving them with a sigh.
10. The Real Nap
This is the holy grail of naps where you hand your child their bottle, pacifier, favorite stuffed animal, and a book, and they peacefully drift into dreamland. It’s serene, it’s ideal, and it’s a glimpse of nirvana that you’ve longed for.
If you guessed that the tenth type of nap is the one we all desire, then congratulations! Unfortunately, you can’t celebrate yet because your kid has just woken up.
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Summary
Kids experience various types of naps, each with its unique challenges. From the “I Need” Nap to the coveted “Real Nap,” navigating nap time is an adventure for parents. Understanding these nap types can help manage expectations and maintain sanity.