Sleep Well! 9 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap
8-minute read
Article Overview:
Even if your child is typically a super snoozer at home, big changes like teething, potty training, or moving to a new classroom can make naptime tricky—and understandably, make you anxious. If you’re worried about your child’s naptime at daycare, especially during new transitions, let us ease your concerns.
“Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime—it’s not a struggle or a fight,” says Millie Boychuk, a Center Director in California. “Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap.”
Here’s how we make it happen:
- We ditch the one-size-fits-all approach, opting for baby-led nap timings that cater to your child’s personal sleep needs.
- Our teachers know just how to soothe your baby to sleep, partnering with you to understand and adopt the comforting techniques that work best.
- We strictly adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to create a safe and secure sleeping environment for every child.
- As your child grows, their napping needs change. We smoothly transition them from multiple naps to one regular midday nap.
- We encourage older children to take part in their nap routine to foster independence and make naptime a breeze.
Read on to learn more!
How Our Teachers Get Kids of Every Age to Take a Daycare Nap
As pros, our teachers know a few things about napping babies. (They’ve seen every type of napper in our classrooms.) For instance, even the fussiest napper’s sleep temperament can change over time, meaning that if you’ve got a tot resisting naps at all cost, there are techniques you can use to strengthen their sleep skills. Yes, you read that right! We all have innate sleep temperaments, but sleep is also a learned behavior. Our teachers can help with that.
Below is a list of guidelines every KinderCare center follows. Take special note of guideline #1.
1. There’s no set naptime schedule in our infant classrooms.
From the moment babies join our infant class, we pay close attention to their sleep needs instead of sticking to a set naptime schedule. Our teachers are experts at spotting the cues that signal it’s time for a snooze—such as eye-rubbing, sucking on hands or fingers, or heavy-headed nodding and drifting off during activity time. Once they see those tell-tale signs, they know it’s naptime!
2. We partner with families to learn which soothing methods work best for babies.
Our infant teachers work with families to learn how each baby likes to be comforted as they fall asleep—whether rocking, singing, or using a pacifier. “Our teachers respond to every baby’s need for calm and comfort,” Boychuk says.
3. We always follow Safe Sleep practices.
We follow rigorous Safe Sleep policies recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This includes always placing infants on their backs to sleep, keeping cribs clear of items like pillows and toys, and using a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet in our approved cribs.
We keep a watchful eye on babies as they sleep (thanks to our see-thru cribs!) And the moment they wake, our teachers are right there to comfort them.
4. We help babies shift to “regular” naps.
As children grow, their napping needs become more regular. Children in our Toddler, Preschool, and Prekindergarten classrooms have one long midday nap. If a child sleeps longer than the allotted naptime, we let them sleep. Growing bodies really do need those restorative naps!
5. We help children gently transition from crib to cot.
As soon as our little ones graduate from the infant classroom, they’ll begin napping on a cot (even though they may still be sleeping in a crib at home). Some parents may be nervous about this transition, but there’s no need to worry. “Most children adjust very quickly, and teachers are always right there supervising,” Boychuk says. “They help each child get settled and stay with them during rest times.”
Everyone Belongs In Our Circle
At KinderCare, we’re committed to building warm, welcoming and supportive classrooms for children of all abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
Find a center near you6. We make naptime easier by inviting each child to participate in their own nap routine.
As kids grow, they embrace more responsibility, especially when it comes to preparing for naptime: picking a blanket, making the bed, or even setting up a cot. Not only does working together often mean less nap resistance, but practicing these life skills builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Our self-directed napping approach also allows children to go at their own pace—at first maybe just choosing which cuddly toy they’ll sleep with or how they want their blanket folded, then stretching a sheet over their cot. (Yes, even young children can make their own beds with a little encouragement and help!)
7. We work to make naptime soothing for older children too.
Toddlers and older children are welcome to bring a blanket or a favorite lovey from home. Soft music and low lighting help set the sleepy-time mood. And if a toddler still loves being rocked to sleep? No problem. Our loving teachers are happy to soothe them however they need until they become more independent sleepers.
8. We follow a lights-low, shoes-on approach.
Not everything is just like home—with good reason. “We follow stricter safety standards than you might at home,” says Boychuk. For example, our little ones keep their shoes on during naptime. This way, they’re always prepared to move to safety in the event of an emergency. Classrooms are dimly lit—but never completely dark—so teachers can keep a watchful eye on children.
9. We provide quiet activities for children who don’t sleep.
Each day, every child has the opportunity to quietly rest for 30 to 45 minutes. We understand that some children may prefer to stay awake, and that’s perfectly okay! For those who do, we offer a variety of quiet activities such as drawing, writing, or looking at books.
Curious about how naptime unfolds? You’re always welcome to visit and explore our classroom routine in action. “Within a week, children have learned the new classroom routine,” shares one of our teachers. “Parents always say, ‘I don’t know how you do it.” We’re more than happy to show you!
Daycare naptime can be a positive experience for all! To get your tot (and the whole family) on board with a new nap routine, we have a list of tips to help with sleep transitions during the first few weeks of school.
