12 Calming Naptime Activities Inspired by Everyone Naps

Gentle games and cozy tricks to help your little one (finally) nap

Quick Scan

• Easy calming activities for toddlers

• Inspired by the Everyone Naps picture book series

• Perfect for soothing midday transitions

• Includes a link to bedtime tips from the Sleep Book for Kids series

Why Naptime Routines Matter

Naptime is more than rest—it’s a reset. A short, soothing routine helps toddlers shift from busy play to calm, peaceful sleep. These activities are designed to bring comfort, rhythm, and connection, all while tying into the gentle animal world of Everyone Naps. Backed by AAP recommendations for healthy sleep hygiene, these rituals are toddler-approved and parent-tested.

1. Build a Stuffed Animal Nap Nest

Let your child build a cozy nap space for their favorite stuffed animals using pillows, a soft blanket, laundry baskets, or anything fun and creative. Invite them to whisper “have a good nap” or “goodnight” to each nester. This activity models empathy and introduces calm through imagination.

2. Use a Sound Machine and Dim the Shades

A consistent white noise machine can help block distractions like passing cars or a vacuum. Dim the lights and explain that the animals are napping under a shady tree or in a cozy cave to protect their eyes from the bright sun. Ask your child: “What kind of sounds would we hear in the jungle or forest?” Connecting calming sound with nature helps establish soothing associations.

3. Find the Sleepy Animal

Hide plush animals or cutouts in quiet corners of the room. Invite your child to find the animals and gently whisper them to sleep. This adds fun to the wind-down and teaches stillness through gentle discovery.

4. Whispered Animal Sounds Game

Whisper the sound of each animal from the book, getting softer with each round. “Shhh... the fox goes snnnzzz…” This builds focus, promotes quiet listening, and gently signals that nap time is near.

5. Storytime Stretch & Yawn

Do a simple stretch together:
Reach to the sky like a raccoon,
Curl up like a bunny,
Finish with a long, slow yawn.
Gentle movement helps relax the body before sleep.

6. Nap Spot Guessing Game

Ask fun questions like:
“Where does the owl nap?”
“Would you nap in a burrow like the fox or under a tree like the deer?”
Then: “Where would you nap if you were an animal?”
This encourages creative thinking while helping children visualize rest.

7. Match the Nap

Match animals from the book to:
– A toy
– A movement (like curling into a ball)
– A nap spot in the house
Say things like: “The raccoon might nap in the laundry basket today!”
This builds a connection between the story and your child’s surroundings.

8. Nap Song with Names

Sing a gentle lullaby using your child’s name and a sleepy animal.
“Isla the bear is ready to nap... curled in bed for her cozy nap…”
Use a familiar tune like Twinkle Twinkle or make up your own.
Songs provide rhythm, comfort, and repetition—perfect for nap transitions.

9. Tuck-In Time for Toys

Let your child tuck in each stuffed animal before their own nap. Use a soft voice and whisper “shhh” to each one. This models calm behavior, encourages nurturing, and builds a sense of bedtime order.

10. Picture Walk

Instead of reading word-for-word, do a picture walk through your Everyone Naps book. Ask,
“What’s happening here?”
“Is the bunny napping?”
Let your child create the story. This keeps things interactive but quiet, and gives the book new life with each read.

11. Gentle Sensory Nap Countdown

Create a consistent nap countdown using calming touch:
5 back rubs
4 kisses
3 deep breaths
2 cuddles
1 “I love you”
This creates a predictable rhythm that guides your child into rest in a loving, sensory-supported way.

12. Bedtime Book Basket (Naptime Style!)

Place a few calm, familiar books—including Everyone Naps—in a designated basket just for nap. Let your child choose one or two to read before lying down. This offers a sense of routine and autonomy, two things toddlers thrive on.
AAP guidelines support the use of familiar books as part of a calming pre-nap routine. Just be sure to avoid overstimulating titles or screens.

From Linda

As a grandmother of twins and a former educator, I know how challenging naptime can be. But I also know it’s a beautiful opportunity to connect, slow down, and build rituals that feel safe and loving. These calming ideas—especially when paired with Everyone Naps—help your child feel ready to rest and recharge.

Need Help with Bedtime Too?

Check out:
10 Bedtime Routine Activities from the Sleep Book for Kids Series
Because bedtime deserves its own kind of cozy.