By the time baby’s first birthday rolls around, you could probably write a love letter to naptime. It’s a rare chance to binge-watch TV, eat a snack (without sharing!), have an uninterrupted conversation with a friend, and tackle all those two-handed tasks you’ve been neglecting.
Unfortunately, like all good things, these midday siestas must come to an end. Though every kid is different, “most children give up daily naps sometime between 3 and 5 years of age,” says Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Nap Solution. But regardless of when it happens, ditching the daytime snooze can be challenging for both you and your child. These tips can help make the transition to nap-free living a little easier.