When Do Babies Transition to One Nap?
Ah, the one nap transition, a rite of passage that can feel as monumental as your little one’s first steps! If you’re wondering when to expect your baby to shift from two naps to one, you’re not alone. Most babies make this transition between 12 and 18 months, with many settling into a single nap around the 14-month mark. But let’s be real: every child is unique, and their readiness can depend on their individual sleep needs and developmental milestones.
Understanding the One Nap Transition Timeline
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that toddlers require approximately 10-13 hours of sleep in 24 hours. As they grow, their sleep patterns evolve, consolidating from multiple naps to a single nap during the day. While some daycare centers may push the transition to one nap as early as 12 months, this can sometimes be premature for your little one. However, the best way to know your baby is ready to move to one nap is the success of nap 2 – if they still take two solid naps, balanced across the day, hang tight for a few more months. If they start fighting to go down or stay asleep for the naps, then that’s your indicator.
Signs Your Baby is Ready for One Nap
So, how do you know if your child is ready to drop that second nap? Look for signs like consistent resistance to the afternoon nap, shorter nap durations, or longer stretches of wakefulness without becoming overtired. If your baby is happily playing and showing no signs of exhaustion, they might just be ready to embrace the single-nap lifestyle!
Sleep is crucial for your child’s growth and development. A well-rested child is not only happier but also more engaged and ready to explore the world around them. When your child is ready for one nap, they should be able to sleep for 2-3 hours in that single stretch, making it easier for them to recharge for the rest of the day.
Managing the Transition to One Nap Smoothly
Transitioning to one nap doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride! It’s often a gradual process that takes several months. Start by adjusting nap times slowly, allowing your child to acclimate to longer awake periods. You might also want to incorporate some quiet time during the day to help them wind down, even if they’re not napping. This can ease the transition and protect their nighttime sleep quality.
That being said, if you are making the transition and the baby is still fighting that second nap while pushing the first one, my advice as a Sleep Consultant is to get to one nap ASAP. There is no sense in having an overtired kid at bedtime who skipped nap 2 and is now strung out, crying, and eating terribly. To push there in the morning, start with a goal of 12:15 pm, then 12:30 pm as the goal, down in the crib, to settle by 12:45 pm and wake by 3:00 pm for a 7:00 pm bedtime.
Use things like sensory play, bath or swimming, or eating, as they start to practice puffs from the table to their mouth. You are keeping them busy and distracted to get to that single nap time as quickly as you can over a few days. Better in my expert opinion to have a child overtired for naps vs. overtired for bedtime, which leads to trouble settling, multiple times waking overnight, and early morning wakings.
The Ideal One Nap Schedule
The “ideal” nap schedule, and I use quotes because you need to know your baby, your family dynamic, and your situation. That being said, if you want baby on a 7:00 pm bedtime schedule, waking in the morning between 6:00 am and 7:00 am – which is age appropriate- then the ideal one-nap schedule is 12:45 pm – 3:00 pm window. That balances adenosine levels and helps ensure your little one is ready to take a long nap.
As with any change, there can be challenges. If your child is transitioning too early, you may notice longer awake times leading to overtiredness and earlier bedtimes. This can disrupt their circadian rhythm and overall sleep quality. To mitigate these issues, consider gradually shifting nap times, offering quiet time, and fine-tuning bedtime routines to ensure they’re getting the rest they need.
For more tips on navigating this transition, or to get help from our team of Expert Certified Sleep Consultants, book a call. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and Tiny Transitions is here to support you every step of the way!
Understanding when your baby transitions to one nap is essential for their sleep health and your sanity! Pay attention to their cues, be patient with the process, and know that every child is different. With the right approach, you can make this transition a smooth and positive experience for both you and your little one.
