1. Create a calming routine 2. Set a consistent schedule 3. Watch for sleepy cues 4. Create a restful environment 5. Allow for transition time 6. Be consistent with expectations 7. Shorten naps gradually 8. Use positive reinforcement The darker the room, the better. There is always something fun or special to look forward to after nap time for my 2 year old! And consequences for not cooperating too. Works every time. It’s important that Mom gets the break as well, helps to reenergize and stay mentally healthy. Hope this helps!
We also changed our nap time from earlier to 2-4. She still whines to go down but usually 20 minutes in she will nap. I tell her she needs quiet time and I let her have quiet toys she only gets during this time. Like a cuddly bunny that lights up or a favorite book. She will play and talk to herself till she falls asleep. This is my attempt to keep naps going and to at least give her and I a quiet break when naps fall away.
Mine goes down at 2pm
Have you tried pushing his nap later? My son follows 6/6 meaning he needs 6 hours of awake time before his nap, so nap is at 1pm and he’s out like a light.
My little guy changed his nap routine and goes down between 2-3pm then wakes up around 5pm. I thought it was too late as well, but that’s what’s working for him and I got tired of trying to mold him into the nap schedule that I wanted because he would always fight it. I thought there would be issues trying to get him down to bed at 8:30pm, but he goes down like a champ still. It wouldn’t hurt to see how a later nap goes for you and your son.