In the ongoing battle between toddlers and nap time, sleep always comes out on top. A viral TikTok video featuring young Stella perfectly illustrates this timeless truth, striking a chord with parents everywhere.
In the video, shared by Stella's mom, @lobeeston, she recounts how her daughter firmly insisted she wasn’t tired and refused to nap. However, when the family called out, “Stella, where are you?” they found her sound asleep at the foot of the stairs, face down, completely exhausted. The heartwarming moment has racked up over 3.9 million views and 700,000 likes, with many parents chiming in with their own stories of nap-time struggles in the comments.
Why do toddlers resist naps?
Stella’s unexpected nap is a situation many parents know well. But why do toddlers often fight sleep? According to pediatric sleep consultant Camila Martelo, it’s a mix of developmental changes and their growing desire for independence.
“Toddlers are becoming more aware of their surroundings and may fear missing out on fun activities or time with family,” says Martelo.
As children grow, their sleep patterns shift too. Between 14 to 18 months, many toddlers transition from two naps to one, and some begin to skip naps entirely by ages 3 to 5.
Expert tips for handling nap refusal
Dealing with a toddler who resists napping can be tricky, but there are strategies that can help make the process smoother:
- Create a consistent, calming pre-nap routine: A predictable, soothing routine signals to your toddler that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep.
- Watch nap timing: Make sure naps are scheduled at the right times to avoid overtiredness, which can make it harder for your toddler to fall asleep.
- Set up a calming nap environment: Limit distractions and make the space quiet and cozy to help your toddler relax.
- Give them some control: Allowing your toddler to make small choices, like which blanket to use, can reduce resistance to naptime.
- Be consistent and patient: Stick to a regular approach and stay patient as your toddler adjusts to naptime.
While parenting through the toddler years can be tough, moments like Stella’s impromptu nap remind us to find humor and joy in the chaos. These funny, unexpected experiences—when a firm “I'm not tired!” turns into an impromptu nap—become precious memories.