keeping kids 'up' until naptime

do you think bringing the kids to the park, supermarket, etc is better for keeping them UP and active before naptime (i.e. a BETTER, longer nap, lol?) or just straight playing around the house.

 

Mine have an easier time falling asleep after being out and about rather just inside the house. But naps are not necessarily longer or shorter, just easier to go down!

 

Just don't make the mistake I did. When we finally dropped the morning nap I thought it would be a good idea to get them out during what used to be their am naptime, and give them some distractions. We drove them to an outside mall and went walking around and of course they fell asleep in the car on the way home. <_<

I think you'll be fine whatever you choose to do. Try going out and see if they like it. Keeps snacks handy for fussy spells.

 

It is always easier for them to go to sleep if we get out and about but like PP said - it is a big mistake around my house to let them fall asleep in the car! If they do that, they think that is their nap for the day!!! We also have to get them down by 12:30 at the latest for some reason, because if I let them go to 1:00 or later then it seems I miss my window and I have two babies that just talk and sing through "naptime." I never really know what is going to result in a longer nap, but I do think it is a better nap when they are really active in the mornings. We started keeping them active at the park, zoo, etc. because it was hard for them to stay awake at first - that isn't the case anymore but it still helps!

 

we also run into the problem of falling asleep in the car. so aggravating! i usually try to not be further than a 10 minute drive from home before nap time but even then sometimes i'll have to start with the crazy singing to keep them awake long enough to get to their beds. :laughing:

 

Hee hee...I look like an idiot when I am driving home trying to keep them awake - I am singing and making funny noises and trying to get them to imitate me - sometimes I roll down the windows and blast them with air...they must not fall asleep in the car! LOL. :crazy:

 

Mine tend to fall asleep in the car too. DS will also fall asleep in the stroller and then he doesn't want to go down for his nap. Lately we have been going to the park in the morning, but we get back in time for lunch and then naptime. They have been falling asleep on the way home from church lately and then they don't want to nap. Last week I sat in the back with them and was able to keep them awake. Of course this only works if you have two adults in the car.

 

Typically, if we are out and about (whether it is running errands, visiting a friend or going to the playground) I do notice it is easier to get the kids down for a nap. If we have a day at home, they might be a little harder to get down but they still take a pretty decent nap. I also try to avoid them falling asleep in the car, so I will drive and constantly chatter to them because if they fall asleep in the car, then they think that's their nap.