When Should my Baby Drop a Nap?
- Veronica Ordonez / Psychologist & Gentle Sleep Coach
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
I’ll be honest, I didn’t remember how the transitions with my first daughter happened. Honestly, at the time, I was just following the pediatrician's advice, which—let's be real—didn’t give me nearly enough guidance on sleep. I love our pediatrician, and we’ve been with her for years, but when it came to sleep advice? Not so much.
I remember those nap transitions with my first as a blur of confusion and exhaustion. At one point, I might or might not have been going a little crazy, trying to figure out why naps suddenly disappeared! But somehow, we survived. And today, she’s a healthy, happy 7-year-old.
Now, with my second child, everything was different. By the time nap transitions came around, I was a sleep coach, so I knew exactly when it would happen and how to handle it. It wasn’t that my son didn’t struggle—I mean, of course, there were challenging moments! But knowing what was coming made all the difference. I was prepared, and that’s exactly what I want for you.
Motherhood throws us so many curveballs, and sleep struggles don’t have to be one of them.
That's why I do what I do: to help you navigate these transitions and avoid the chaos I went through. You deserve a smoother ride when it comes to your baby’s sleep!
When Is the Right Time to Drop a Nap?
Here’s the thing: nap transitions can be tricky, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. But knowing the typical age ranges when babies usually drop a nap can help you prepare. You’ll also learn how to identify the signs that your little one is ready for the next nap phase.
3 to 2 naps: between 8 and 10 months
2 to 1 nap: between 15 and 18 months
1 to 0 naps: between 3 and 4 years
These are the typical transitions, but remember: every baby is different! It’s important to keep an eye out for the signs that your baby is ready to move on to the next stage.
Signs Your Little One Might Be Ready for a Nap Change:
Taking longer to fall asleep at regular nap time
Fighting bedtime like a champ
Waking up multiple times overnight
Waking up way too early
Naps are getting shorter on their own
If your little one shows any of these signs and is in the typical age range, it might be time to tweak that nap schedule! You can also use use the following sample schedules to find out where your little one should be. Click on your baby's age:
How to Make This Transition a Little Smoother:
Start Gradually. At the beginning of this transition, your baby might take a nap every other day—and that’s okay! It’s totally normal for your baby’s sleep to go through a period of adjusting. Gradually, you’ll see fewer naps, and the schedule will start to even out.
Early Bedtime is Your Friend. When your baby skips a nap, don’t be afraid to move bedtime earlier (about 30 to 60 minutes earlier than usual). It might feel like a big change, but don’t worry! Bedtime might stay earlier for a while, but eventually, it will return to its original time. It’s all part of the process!
Patience is Key. Every baby is different, and the transition from 3 to 2 naps, 2 to 1 nap, or even 1 nap to no naps at all doesn’t always happen on a predictable timeline. It could take a few days, or it might take a few weeks. Be patient and follow your little one’s sleepy cues. The more patient you are, the smoother the process will be for everyone.
Need More Help?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about when or how to tackle this transition, don’t worry! I’ve got your back.
Book a 30-minute mini consultation, and we’ll build a simple, realistic plan together to help guide you through this transition. You don’t have to do this alone.
Let’s work through it together!
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