New School, New Nap Routine: Helping Everyone Sleep Well
7-minute read
Article Overview:
Is your little one starting at KinderCare or another child care center? Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to sweet dreams with these tips:
- Give it time. Allow your child a week or two to adjust. Patience is your best friend during this period, as most children take time to adapt to new napping environments.
- Spot the signs: Keep an eye out for their “I’m exhausted” signals. They may need to hit the hay earlier or later than usual. Follow their lead!
- Have regular teacher talks. Communicate with your child’s teachers about their naptime habits to help your baby find a good sleep rhythm in both places.
- Sync your clocks. To provide a sense of routine, try aligning your home schedule with the center’s.
- Establish quiet time. If your child doesn’t nap, establish a calm period during the day to relax and recharge together.
- Comfort is key. Introduce multiple comfort items in case your child’s favorite stuffed bunny doesn’t make it to school one busy morning.
- Adjust bedtime. Gradually shift bedtime earlier to match your child’s new level of activity and tiredness.
- Don’t forget about you. Transitions are exhausting for grownups, too! Make sure you’re getting enough rest to stay on top of your game.
As your child adjusts to a new naptime environment and schedule, you may notice changes in their sleep habits, and yours too! During those first few weeks, they may resist bedtime or unexpectedly knock out during the drive home. Here are a few tips to help your family adjust to the changes.
1. Give it a week (or two).
Our seasoned teachers have transformed naptime and bedtime routines for countless families. And they all agree: most kiddos take about one to two weeks to get the hang of napping at school. The key to sleep success during this period? Patience, patience, and a little more patience.
2. Take note of sleepy signals at home.
During those first few weeks at a new school, keep an eye out for your child’s sleepy signals. Forget the clock—they may need to sleep earlier (or later) than their usual bedtime. Instead, look for signs like eye-rubbing, yawning, or a sudden mood change to indicate it’s time for bed.
3. Chat with your child’s teachers.
We encourage you to talk with your child’s teachers about their naptime habits and preferred soothing methods. Sharing what works at home and learning what works at school can help them settle into a consistent sleep rhythm more quickly.
4. Adopt the class schedule.
In our Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-K classrooms, quiet time usually kicks off around noon. Adopting this routine at home, at least in the beginning, can make the transition smoother for your child.
5. Don’t have a napper? Try resting quietly.
If your child isn’t much of a napper but still needs downtime, consider setting aside 30–45 minutes for quiet activities. This could include talking calmly, looking at books, cuddling, or coloring.
6. Stock up on special blankies.
Your child’s favorite bunny is always welcome! But we suggest gently encouraging your child to learn to sleep without it, just in case the bunny is forgotten one busy morning. (It happens!)
At home, introduce other snuggle buddies at bedtime or naptime. You might also consider buying a second (or third) loved object that can live in their classroom cubby.
7. Slowly change bedtime.
Is your child coming home worn out after school? It might be time for an earlier bedtime. For children who thrive on consistent routines or are sensitive to sleep changes, getting to sleep earlier can make all the difference. You can start by shifting their bedtime earlier by 10–15 minutes and adjusting their morning wake-up time accordingly. A little shift can lead to a lot of extra energy!
8. … Or speed things up.
For older kids or those without a strict bedtime, you can speed things up. Try pushing their bedtime earlier by 20–30 minutes each night or two. Keep going until you find that sweet spot where they wake up refreshed and ready for the day.
9. Consider blackout curtains.
Blackout curtains are perfect for kids who find it hard to sleep with sunlight peeking in. They block those little gaps where light slips through, making it easier for your child to fall asleep earlier and (maybe) stay asleep later.
10. Get some shut-eye yourself!
Remember, sleep and school transitions can take a toll on the entire family. Consider putting yourself to bed early, too. Pick a favorite book, fluff the pillows, and tuck yourself in.
Your little one will be snoozing smoothly in no time. And now that you’re equipped with useful tips, you’re ready to go a step further and see how our teachers help your little one adapt to the changes when they’re at school too.
