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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
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Maternal beliefs and cognitions about naps in infants and toddlers

Jodi A Mindell1,2, Erin S Leichman3, Katie Rotella4

  • 1Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. jmindell@sju.edu.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|October 23, 2023
PubMed

Infant and toddler sleep affects family functioning and maternal mental health and well-being. However, little is known about parental perceptions regarding child daytime sleep. The current study aimed to determine maternal beliefs and cognitions of child naps, assessing how naps impact perceived child and maternal functioning. Mothers of 465 infants and toddlers (4-36mos; M = 18.5mos) in the United States completed an online questionnaire addressing those aims, including maternal perception of naps after napping cessation. Most mothers agreed that naps were important (98%). Over two-thirds wanted to change something about their child's naps and one-quarter reported that naps were problematic. About half wished their child fell asleep faster/easier for naps, and one-third wished they napped longer. Few reported that child naps were more trouble than they were worth (4%). Most mothers believed that when their child naps well their child is in a better mood (97%), more easy-going (96%), has fewer tantrums (89%), and listens better (84%, toddlers). Finally, most mothers believed that their child's naps were important for their own day (94%), improved their own mood (87%) made them feel calmer (90%), and enabled them to nap (51%), do more in the house (92%), complete work (87%), spend time with others (78%), and spend time doing things for themselves (80%).   Conclusion: Considering most mothers believed their child's naps were important for their child and themselves, yet many wanted to change something about those naps and/or thought naps were problematic, intervention development is warranted focusing on daytime sleep issues to improve both child and family functioning. What is Known: • Although maternal perceptions of overnight sleep in young children has been well studied, little is known about beliefs and cognitions regarding daytime sleep. What is New: • Mothers of infants and toddlers believe naps are beneficial for their child and are important for child mood, behavior, and sleep. • Mothers find child naps valuable for themselves, allowing time for other activities.

Keywords:
InfantsNapsParent perceptionSleepToddlers

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