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Jan 27, 2025 7 min read

Preschool Nap Time Tips: From Rules to Music

Leah Woodbury By: Leah Woodbury

Preschool nap times can sometimes be a challenge for child care providers, and choosing the right nap time music is tricky! And while naps are crucial for a child’s physical and mental development, helping a full classroom of young children settle down for a restful period requires thoughtful planning and patience. 

Before we get into strategies, it’s essential to understand why nap time plays a key role in a preschooler’s day. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 need 10–13 hours of sleep per day, which includes nighttime sleep and naps, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Naps support brain development, improve memory, boost mood, and help children regulate their emotions. Plus, a rested child is more likely to be focused and cooperative during classroom activities.

Let’s take a look at what you can do to help your preschoolers get the rest they need!

Child sleeps during nap time at daycare.

What Time Do Preschoolers Usually Nap, and What’s the Best Time?  

Most preschool-aged children (3-5 years old) need a nap in the early afternoon, typically following lunch. This aligns with their natural circadian rhythms, as they’re more likely to feel drowsy after a busy morning of learning and play.  

For toddlers and preschoolers, naps should start between 12:30 and 1 p.m. and end by 3 p.m. so bedtime isn’t a battle for parents, says Awesome Little Sleepers.  Begin with some wind-down activities such as reading a story or dimming the lights to help transition from active play into a calm state.  

Consistency is key. Maintaining the same nap schedule every day helps build a sense of routine for the children, making the process feel predictable and reassuring.

Check out our blog on daily schedule ideas for preschoolers for more ideas on establishing routines!

How Long Should Nap Time Be?  

The length of nap time will depend largely on the child’s age and energy levels. Here’s a general breakdown by age group:

Toddlers (1-2 years): 1.5 to 2 hours of nap time per day.

Preschoolers (3-5 years): 1 to 1.5 hours per day is typical, although some may not nap at all.  

Kindergartners (5-6 years): By this age, many children have outgrown napping. If naps are necessary, they’re usually shorter — 30 minutes to 1 hour.  

Younger preschoolers will generally benefit more from longer naps, whereas older ones closer to kindergarten age may just need quiet rest time.

Helpful Rules for a Successful Preschool Nap Time  

To ensure a smooth nap time routine, consider implementing these requirements:

Stick to a Routine: Follow the same sequence daily to establish consistency such as lunch, then storytime, then nap.  

Encourage Quiet Time: For children who don’t nap, schedule quiet activities like reading or puzzles to minimize disruptions.  

Keep the Environment Calming: Dim the lights, play soothing music and create a quiet atmosphere to signal it’s time to wind down.  

Set Clear Expectations: Let children know what’s expected during nap time such as staying on their mats or cots quietly.  

Chlid sleeps during nap time at daycare.

Should You Play Music During Nap Time? If Yes, What Kind?  

Yes, music can be a helpful tool to create a calming ambiance and aid in transitioning into sleep. However, the type of music matters. Opt for instrumental, slow-tempo pieces such as lullabies, nature sounds or white noise. Steer clear of music with lyrics, as these can be distracting for young ears.

Make sure the volume is low enough not to disturb light sleepers but audible enough to cover small background noises.

Check out the YouTube channel “Naptime Music for Preschoolers – Mozart for Babies” for a calming playlist! If you use Spotify, this list of peaceful preschool nap songs also sets the right ambiance.

Pro Tip: Pre-test the music to see how the kids respond during the first few nap sessions and adjust accordingly.

The Best Preschool Nap Equipment  

Having the right nap equipment is critical to creating a cozy and restful environment. Here are the essentials:

Preschool Cots and Preschool Mats: Invest in high-quality, easy-to-clean nap cots or mats. Ensure they are comfortable, sturdy, and appropriately sized for preschool-aged children.  

Blankets and Pillows: Allow children to bring their own lightweight blankets. Familiar items provide comfort and help kids relax. Small, hypoallergenic pillows can also be permitted with parental approval.  

Bonus Tip: Label each child’s nap items to avoid mix-ups. Hygiene is a top priority for shared spaces like preschools!  

Stuffed Animals and Lovies During Nap Time  

Young girl holds teddy bear while she takes a nap.

Should kids be allowed to bring stuffed animals or lovies to nap? Absolutely! These familiar objects can help soothe children and foster a sense of security in a group setting. 

That said, avoid anything excessively large or noisy to prevent disruptions. Consider allowing each child to have only one stuffie .  

Do Kindergartners Still Take Naps?  

Kindergartners often phase out of naps, depending on the school and individual energy levels. Around ages five to six, children’s sleep needs shift to longer nighttime sleep rather than daytime rest.  

If naps are not part of the kindergarten schedule, consider substituting rest periods with activities like quiet reading, journaling, or listening to soft audiobooks.  

Managing Non-Nappers and Disruptive Kids  

Not all children will nap during scheduled nap time, and that’s perfectly normal. The challenge is managing these non-nappers without disrupting those who need rest.  

Here’s how to handle this scenario effectively:

Quiet Activity Options: Provide quiet, independent activities like puzzles, coloring sheets, or books to keep them occupied.  

Designated Quiet Spaces: Set up a separate area of the classroom for non-nappers to engage in silent activities.  

Positive Reinforcement: Praise children who follow nap-time rules, encouraging compliance.  

Gradual Adjustment: If a child consistently refuses to nap, communicate with parents to explore other strategies, such as adjusting bedtimes at home.  

Nap Time Success Starts with Communicating

Preschool nap time isn’t just about rest — it’s a chance for children to recharge so they can continue learning and exploring the world. By establishing predictable routines, providing the right equipment and addressing challenges proactively, early educators can create a peaceful and beneficial nap time experience for all.

And remember, good communication with families is vital. They want to know about their child’s sleep habits, which affect bedtime routines as well as behavior in the evenings. 

Keep parents informed about their child’s nap habits in real time with a daycare app.

The Procare child care mobile app can help you keep track of naps and other activities through the day and share them with families!  

The Procare child care mobile app also gives you the ability to: ​

  • Get information quickly via an app​
  • Take the hassle out of check-in/out​
  • Have a direct mass communication channel​
  • Keep families engaged​
  • Go digital​
  • Empower your staff​
  • Collect tuition and payments effortlessly

It saves child care programs time and money by streamlining core administrative functions while raising the bar for the parent experience with professional communications, easy-to-access portals and the ability for real-time updates from the classroom.Learn more about what the app can do to help you with nap times and more by clicking here!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leah Woodbury

Leah Woodbury is the head of content at Procare Solutions. Her job includes writing about topics that matter to child care professionals and finding ways to help them do their important work. She’s a mom of two who loves getting updates about what her preschooler is doing during the day via the Procare child care mobile app!

Leah Woodbury