Is it child abuse to not force naps?

Question

My son is almost 3 and I know he is asleep deprived but never likes to nap or sleep a full night so I know he needs sleep. I read that depriving someone of sleep if form of abuse. However I initiate a nap every day but he just doesn’t want to sleep. I work with him to fall asleep in the day time for an hour but after 1-2 hours he won’t sleep no matter what I do. I sooth him and set the tone but he refuses. I’m worried about him being deprived of sleep. Sleep is so important for growth and development. He sleeps 5-6 hours in 24 hours but I don’t think it’s enough for a baby under 5.

Accepted Answer

That’s less than half what he should be getting. It’s not abuse because it’s not anything you’re doing and you’re working with him but you REALLY need to talk to his doctor. In 24 hours he should be getting around 11-12 hours of sleep. That doesn’t HAVE to include a nap. Some kids get that all at night. But that is wayyyyyy less sleep than he needs and it’s a concern at this point. Take him to the doctor.

Answer

5-6 hours in 24 hours for that age is really short. I wouldn't worry about a nap at that age but what's his night time routine? 
How long has this been going on? Just run it by his pediatrician in case anything is bothering him.

Answer

5-6 hours for anyone is short! Let alone a toddler who should be sleeping double that. He is overly tired which makes it hard for him to sleep. It’s a bad cycle. Cut out sugar by late afternoon, get lights dim at night, start a routine if not already done so yet. Cut out electronics at least a couple hours before bed. Get him some black out light curtains in his room to keep room dark. 
It’s not child abuse Bc it’s nothing you’re doing but it’s important to work on this with him 
You can talk to his dr for help too it’s important to get this issue addressed

Answer

Don't sweat it. If you're trying to get him to sleep and he refuses,it's out of your hands. Maybe try speaking with his pediatrician and see what they say? My 2 yr old doesn't sleep the recommended time either,but he also will go to the bed for naps haha.  Still trying to get him weaned and he Co sleeps 🥴so, at least you don't deal with that. He'll be okay momma!

Answer

What’s bedtime routine like? 
What time is bedtime? 
At 3, a nap doesn’t need to happen though most 3 year olds still benefit from a 1-2hr nap. 
Sounds like the overall problem is babe is overtired. An overtired baby sleeps terribly! Short to no naps and less sleep at night. 
If babe needs to be up at 7am (example time), bedtime needs to be 7-8pm. So bedtime routine needs to start around 6:30/6:45 or 7:30/7:45. Routine needs to be consistent. Bath, lotion, jammies, potty (if potty training/ed), brush teeth, story time, sound machine on, lights out, quiet time. 
If wake time is 7am, nap would be around 12pm. 
5/6 hours in 24hrs isn’t enough sleep for adults! 3 year olds need 10-13hrs of sleep. Every child is different but should still be in that range!

Answer

All the things these folks have said - speak to your doctor first and then maybe look into a sleep consultant.  They can help you make good and sound sleep habits that will help your child through to adulthood. Your doing your best - it’s not abuse! Have some grace with yourself

Answer

The napping part isn’t really much of an issue. Some kids don’t need naps as long as they’re getting enough sleep at night. If he’s not getting enough sleep in a 24 hour period, talk to his doctor. It’s not abuse when you’re not actively depriving him of sleep. It’s not like when he’s trying to nap or sleep at night you’re preventing it from happening.

Answer

That is definitely not enough sleep. Have you tried pushing up his bedtime or letting him sleep later?Toddlers should be getting around 12 hrs of sleep in a 24 hr period still.
You're not abusing your child. I would say if you are deliberately keeping your child awake when they are tired and/or waking them up so they can't ever sleep,  that's when it would be considered abuse.  It's definitely not healthy though for mental development to get 6-7 hours of sleep on a regular basis

Answer

It's definitely not enough.
You have to find out what is keeping him up somehow. Being overtired makes it harder for them to fall asleep. My first guess would be that plays a huge factor.

Answer

At that point I’d be asking the doctor about melatonin for night. That is way less than he needs. 3 doesn’t necessary need to nap anymore, but they need way more night sleep. My son is 3 and doesn’t nap anymore but he also sleeps 11-12 hours a night.

Is it child abuse to not force naps?

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