Anyone have a 2yr old like mine?

[Now Mom of 3]

My youngest son is almost 2 1/2 and has not napped consistantly since he turned 2. We still go through the naptime routine and I put him in his crib (doesn't climb out yet) but he only rarely actually sleeps. Most of the times that he does actually sleep, it is because he cries first(because he doesn't want to rest) and wears himself out.

Our first WDW trip is this Jan. How have any of you handled a non napping 2 yr old at Disney? I am willing to give it a try, but I am almost positive that he would not go to sleep if we went back to the room to nap. He will fall asleep sometimes in the car in late afternoon. I am assuming that any naps he takes will be cause he crashes in his stroller late afternoon. That is how he napped at DL at 18 months.

We are willing to split up and take turns taking the older kids on rides while the other one does whatever the 2 yr.old needs, be that pushing the stroller around until he conks out or riding a bus around til he sleeps if he needs the naps. Anyone have any suggestions, words of encouragement? Thanks.

 

[100AcreWood]

I'll offer a word of encouragement! My dd is now 3 but we took her for the first time at 2 1/2 years old. She doesn't nap during the weekends either but naps at preschool.

At Disney, she took a nap everyday in her stroller from exhaustion. She slept at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours every day! We were so relieved.

 

[tjmw2727]

I would make sure and bring a larger comfortable stroller so he can nap when and if he needs to. Make sure to keep him fed and hydrated and push the fruits and healthy snacks when you can find them. When you see him tire take time to rest for a show or find a bench to sit and rest on. If he does fall asleep just take turns pushing the stroller or sitting in a shady cool spot with him.

Most days or at least every other day I book a mid day table service lunch, say 1:30 - 2ish after the lunch crowds. It dosen't have to be fancy but some place to sit and cool off with a nice meal. Great food and often much cheaper than table service dinner.

We have been known to push our dds around the resort in the stroller at night in hopes of getting them to sleep - even a stroller nap is better than none!

Have fun
tJ

 

[Stephres]

My DD gave up naps at age 2 as well. We always returned to the room after lunch for a wind-down period. She and DS5 (then) would lie quietly for about an hour watching TV and then we would go down to the pool. I think the time away from the park benefitted her and made her less cranky overall (really, and us too). Of course, we live close by and go several times a year so we don't feel we have to see everything in one trip.

 

[LauraAnn630]

Our 2 yr old DS fell asleep in the stroller. He was recharged for the evening and stayed up most nights till midnight. He loved Specto and Wishes!
When we got back to our room it took him a good hour to settle down and fall asleep after a bath.

I bought a fan that attached to the stroller to keep him cool while he slept.

 

[ainmama2001]

Our dd doesn't nap. Hasn't since she was 2. When we go to Disney, we work in nap time. She's usually exhausted, but STILL won't sleep unless bribed. We use rides, fireworks, souvenirs...usually something gets her to sleep. In fact, Disney is the only place she WILL nap!

 

[SqueakyMouse]

During our trip this past week, neither my 5 yo ds nor my almost 3 yo dd napped during the day...despite being hot and cranky from time to time. Both would fall asleep in the strollers around 11 pm each evening -- just in time to be lugged onto and off buses!!!

When we last took them in May, our 2 1/2 yo (at the time) dd would sleep for maybe 15 minutes at a time while we wheeled her around the parks.

We have found that snack breaks in the air conditioning help perk up the kids when they begin to grow tired. We know they won't sleep, so we just try to keep them as energetic and happy as possible.

 

[laughinplace199]

I agree with the other posters that he will probably fall asleep in the stroller. My DD who was 4 on our last trip (and way beyond napping) napped every day!

When DS was getting to the end of the napping phase, he would fight it (not sleep, cry, etc). I would tell him that he didn't have to sleep at nap time, he just had to rest quietly. For some reason this worked. I don't know if he relaxed since he thought he was in control or what, but it worked every time. He would be asleep in no time.

 

[missymagic]

When my DDs were little they used to just fall asleep in the stroller as well. During that time I would use it to shop, get something to eat or just people watch. An hour nap they were usually ready to go and recharged and be good till 11 or so. Worked perfect for me. Never went back to the room in the afternoons this always seemed to enough for my girls but you know your child better than anyone. If they get into one of their meltdowns then consider the room nap. Good luck