Signs That Your Baby Is Ready to Transition Naps

Donna Miller
Nov 2
4 min read

As a parent, navigating your baby's nap schedule can be confusing, especialy with the amount of unfiltered information out there. Understanding the signs of when your child is ready to transition to less naps can improve your nights, early morning and make settling a much smoother and more enjoyable process. Let's start to cut through the BS...

Newborns to four months

I wouldn't expect a newborn to have a nap routine, with catnapping being biologically normal from as early as 8-weeks. As they get to 12-16 weeks, you may see them naturally form a nap rhythm which you can start to tap into. Lower your expectations with your newborn following a routine - their sleep is not organised into their biorhythms yet!

Signs Your Baby is Ready for Fewer Naps

Longer Awake Times: If your baby can stay awake for 2-3 hours between naps, consider dropping a nap. For example, they might wake from a morning nap at 9am and stay awake until lunch nap around 12pm.
Difficulty Falling Asleep: If your baby takes longer than 20 minutes to fall asleep or appears fussy at nap time, they may be ready for fewer naps. An average sleep onset is anywhere from 5-20mins.
Struggling to Consolidate Naps: If your child was having longer naps which have recently shortened, it may be time to adjust the sleep pressure.
Nighttime Struggles: If your baby is resisting bedtime, waking before midnight or having awake windows overnight, something during the daytime may need to shift to create enough sleep pressure at night.

6 to 9 Months: Transitioning from 3 to 2 Naps

As your baby nears the 6 to 9-month mark, they may be prepared to transition from 3 naps to 2. This change can sometimes be tricky, but recognizing key signs will help.

Signs Your Baby is Ready for 2 Naps

Increased Alertness: If your baby appears more awake and engaged during their time awake, they might be ready for fewer naps.
Bedtime Battles and Early Mornings: the 3rd nap can start to wreak havoc on the overnight sleep, skip it and pop your baby to bed early.
Catnap Difficulty: refusing the afternoon nap, even when assisted, can become a challenge from 6 months onwards.
Lunch Nap Shortening: if the lunch nap was consolidating but has recently struggled to extend past 60mins, the 3rd nap may be confusing your child's body clock.

15 to 18 Months: Transitioning from 2 to 1 Nap

When your baby reaches around 15 to 18 months, they will usually be ready to make the significant change from two naps to one.

Signs Your Baby is Ready for One Nap

Consistent Nap Skipping: If your toddler often skips either the morning or afternoon nap, this is a strong signal they are ready for just one nap.
Morning Nap >10am: If they can comfortably stay awake until after 10am, it may be time to start the lunch nap at ~11.30am.
Lunch Nap Shortening: If your toddler was sleeping 2-2.5hrs and is now only having 1-1.5hrs after lunch, it's time to change.
Overnight wakes: bedtime battles, awake windows overnight (split nights) or early mornings before 6am show us that your toddler is ready for 1 nap.

Nap Drop: 2.5 Years Onwards

As your child approaches 2.5 years, they may begin dropping their afternoon nap altogether. This transition can pose challenges for both parents and toddlers. I've written another article on how to navigate dropping your toddler's nap, which you can read here.

Signs Your Child is Ready to Drop Their Nap

Consistent Nap Refusal: If your child regularly refuses to nap or takes an extended time to fall asleep, they may be ready to drop the nap altogether.
Nighttime Sleep Changes: Trouble falling asleep at night or waking too early might suggest they no longer need daytime sleep.
Increased Energy Levels: If your child seems energetic throughout the day without a nap, it can signal readiness for a new routine.
Mood Changes: Observe for mood swings or increased irritability. These can indicate a need to adjust their nap routine.

Strategies for a Smooth Transition

Transitioning your baby's nap schedule doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some strategies to help make the process easier:

Gradual Changes: Instead of skipping a nap suddenly, adjust your baby’s schedule by slowly shifting nap times and reducing the duration of existing naps. Try 15mins at a time, allowing for 4-5 days for your child's body clock to adjust.
Consistent Routine: Establishing a regular nap routine will help your baby understand when it’s time to sleep. Consistent signals for bedtime will help your child's brain sequence the events in the lead up to sleep.
Monitor Sleep Cues: Watch for signs of tiredness, such as eye rubbing or fussiness, to recognize when your baby is ready for a nap.
Be Patient: Remember that every baby is unique. It may take some time for your little one to adapt to the new schedule. Flexibility and patience are key during this transition. Babies aren't robots, and it won't be perfect each day.

Closing Thoughts

Recognising when your baby is ready to transition their naps will help with smoother days, reduced sleep anxiety and help make your days manageable. By being mindful of their changing sleep needs and cues, you can assist them in getting the rest they require while making your daily routine smoother. Each child is different; so trust your instincts to navigate their nap schedule. Happy napping!