Tips for Stress-Free Naptimes

"Naptime in a child care center is often part of the daily schedule that children and staff both dread," writes Lana Button in her article, "Implementing a High-Quality Naptime Routine," which serves as the basis for the Exchange Out of the Box training kit, Naptime Routines.  Here are a few of the tips that Button offered for a high-quality naptime experience:

• Always give the children a ‘heads up’ when naptime is approaching.  Keep your pre-nap routine consistent and your class will start mentally preparing for a rest before they even hit their cots (i.e., children may wipe their hands or visit the bathroom before finding their cots).
• Keep children’s cots in the same basic location each day.  Once you find a spot where a child is most likely to get a good rest, use that spot consistently.  
  Having to adjust to a new spot or a new ‘nap neighbor’ can make it difficult for a child to settle down.
• Allow children a few minutes on their cots before the lights are turned out.  
  This allows children to transition from being very active to being very still.  
  Your center might provide nap books or simple manipulative toys for children to explore independently for 5 minutes.

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