How long should a sick toddler nap?

Our poor 15 month old has a cold (not flu, no fever). He's never been sick before, so I don't know how to expect him to handle it. He had an active morning: eating, playing, and being upset at the doctor's office. His nap is going on 3.5 hours. I don't want to wake him; seems like he must need the sleep because he's sick. Should he just sleep all afternoon when he's sick? Or will it be harder for him to sleep all night? He didn't sleep much last night.

Chloe Melia Alana Landon's Mom2010-01-19T15:32:27Z

Favorite Answer

i would just let him sleep. there is no saying that if you wake him up that tonight his cold won't upset him & make him not be able to sleep. just let him sleep while he can. though i would wake him up & see if he would like something to eat if he still sleeping during dinner so he doesn't get hungry in the middle of the night.

Anonymous2010-01-19T22:48:09Z

When our daughter was that age (she is now 3 1/2 yrs) she was poorly for a couple of days and slept for pretty much all of it. I think it is best to let them sllep it off, it may mean that they are awake more at night but like I said, I woul let them sleep when they feel the need to. Hope everything is ok and he gets better soon

Tati2010-01-19T22:50:57Z

i'd let him sleep till he waked on his own unless he needs to be up at a certain time tomorrow for some reason... if he isnt ready for bed at normal bedtime let him stay up a bit late... just be flexible while he is sick you can reestablish his schedule when he's well

Anonymous2010-01-19T22:50:43Z

47 hrs per day