2 year old is scaring me

United States
May 25, 2010 4:56pm CST
My 2 year old never takes naps, but for the last 2 days she has taken naps... and to me that is really odd.. don't get me wrong I really enjoy it when my kids lay down during the day and I get some time to myself but it scares me... Is this normal for kids to start suddenly taking naps.. I wonder if it is maybe because it is so hot outside.. here in central texas it is already gotten up to 95... and I know when it gets really hot I have a tendency to get tired so maybe that is it.. but has anyone had this experience is it normal for kids to just start napping... But if it is a good thing then maybe I can start getting her on a nap schedule
4 people like this
13 responses
@kedralynn (980)
• United States
25 May 10
Kids go thru weird phases. Be it naps or the types of food they like or their favorite colors. It seems to change weekly sometimes. I wouldn't worry too much as I know the heat sure makes me tired and I'm a full grown adult. I would keep on eye on her for other weird behavior. But if you don't notice anything else wrong, then just enjoy the naps!
2 people like this
@shooie (4984)
• United States
25 May 10
If she isn't running a temp and like you said heat does zap energy from you. I would keep an eye on her. If she isn't acting sluggish and odd other than the nap then I at this point wouldn't worry about it. My grand kids are like that. If you are real worried call her doctor and ask them on the phone if this is anything to watch or worry about. Most kids at that age do take naps for at least an hour a day give or take.
2 people like this
• Philippines
26 May 10
Maybe your child's daily activity combined with the heat makes her tired faster. Let her take the naps but at the same time observe her before and after naps, check her body temperature and see if she's feeling sluggish or anything. If all's normal, then I don't think there is anything to worry about. It may also be that your child's sleeping/napping habits are changing. I think napping is a good thing for kids. I let my 10-month old daughter take naps in the afternoon. If the temperature's really hot, always have her water ready so she could take sips often, just so to make sure she's not dehydrated.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
26 May 10
hiLilly do know that you are a smart mom, trust yourself.kids at that age tire easily and often take a nap like that, as you probably really know in your heart so trust yourself.I myself feel like napping when here in Southern California it gets hot like that. It is of course normal for kids to do that so believe in yourself more. and enjoy the naptime for yourself time.
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
26 May 10
Hi Lilly! It is perfectly normal for a 2 year old to take naps! I would be surprised if she didn't!lol Most little ones at that age do take naps! And as you said, the temperature is really hot, which makes even adults feel tired! I wouldn't worry at all! Her "body clock" could also have changed since the days are longer now since it's summer! Don't worry she's just being a normal 2 year old! I would take a nap right along with her because I'm sure the heat is getting to "Mom" too!
1 person likes this
• United States
26 May 10
First I think you need to relax and not get worked up over nap taking. Unless there are signs of illness, bathroom situations, runny noses etc, there is no cause for alarm. Yes warmer weather can cause sleepiness but most likely at that age your baby is having a growth spurt and the body is building up more energy to compensate for what it is using up.
1 person likes this
@karen1969 (1779)
26 May 10
I only read your reply after posting mine and it seems we are in agreement here!
@kaka135 (14916)
• Malaysia
28 May 10
My son slept very little when he was born till a few months old. He always slept after 12am, and took short naps only. Well, at least he still took naps. But when he was a few months old (I can't remember since when), he just suddenly started to sleep at 10 something or 11 at night, and took two 1-2 hour naps. There's no summer here, and it's not because of the weather that made him sleep more. I was happy for the change too, as sleeping more is good for the babies. Now, my son has set up his sleeping routine. Perhaps you can try setting up the routine for your daughter too. I understand that you will not have your personal time if your daughter doesn't go to bed, you just need to pay 100% attention all the time whenever she is awake. I too enjoy the time when my son is sleeping, like now, I can write in mylot. Of course, I enjoy spending time with him very much too.
@nixxi76 (3191)
• Canada
26 May 10
Kids always change their routines. It's normal. Once you think they are on a pattern, they switch, so perhaps you will have your afternoons free now. It could be from the heat too or she's growing. Take care
@Fortunata (1135)
• United States
26 May 10
I'm not a mother, but I'd have her checked out by the doctor, just to be sure. Never hurts to have a doctor check out some odd behavior or symptoms, especially if you're not sure.
• United States
26 May 10
I think its normal to take naps when it gets hot. Also when they grow my 3 year old takes naps when shes growing. I personally wouldn't worry but if you are worried then take her to the doctor. Mothers know things others don't.
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
27 May 10
Lily, that is very normal. And there are nights also that toddlers would like to play till dawn. Gear yourself up. The children are trying to learn what day and night are. Enjoy yourself!
@Rysonia (310)
• United States
27 May 10
She may be having a growth spurt (or it could be the heat). My daughter just turned 3 years old and normally she absolutely refuses to take naps. But every once in a blue moon she will just lay herself down during the day and go to sleep (or she will fall asleep over her food). If your child has a fever, eyes appear abnormally bright or the skin has altered color (or anything other then taking a nap that is abnormal) then you should take her in to her Doctor. But if it is simply that she is taking the occasional nap then just count your blessings. If she does it consistently over a period of time then it is time to put naps back in her schedule, if not then just allow her to let you know when she needs a nap, since she seems to already be doing that.
@Rysonia (310)
• United States
27 May 10
And I have to mention this. My 3 year old was playing in her room while I was typing as soon as I posted the above post I went to check on her and she is curled up sound asleep on her bedroom floor. She rarely takes naps and will fight like a banshee if I try to instigate them. So as you can see, you are not the only Mother who has a strong willed little one who randomly decides to nap when they decide to lol.
@karen1969 (1779)
26 May 10
Well, my kids are all teenagers now, but I seem to remember something similar with mine when they were little and it was due to a growth spurt, I seem to remember. I am sure the heat would be another valid reason as the heat makes me tired too and I am more likely to have an afternoon nap if it is very hot, as I feel I have no energy. As long as your daughter seems well otherwise (eating, drinking, not being sick, no high temperature, etc.), I'd try not to worry too much.