It is important to stay attuned to your child’s cues for needing a nap. You may notice her staring into space, rubbing her eyes, or crying to signal it is time. Usually around 12 months, you will notice changes in your child’s sleep schedule. Before turning 12 months old, most infants are on a two-nap schedule. Seventeen percent of children have already transitioned to a one-nap schedule by 12 months. At around 15 or 16 months, almost 60% of children have fully transitioned to a one-nap schedule.
It is common for children to change nap schedules from time to time. If your child has been showing you these signs, then it could be time for a change:
- crying or fighting nap times,
- waking up tired after too short a nap,
- not taking a nap at all,
- waking up in the middle of the night.
What is the best way to transition from two naps to one? Like many milestones in your child’s life, moving from two naps to one is a gradual process that takes routine and consistency.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your child to transition to a one-nap schedule.
Put your child in the same place for nap each day. Don’t let her nap in the stroller one day and in your bed the next. It is important for the nap place and environment to be consistent so your child will develop a routine for sleeping.
If your child wakes up early from her one afternoon nap, try soothing her back to sleep and see if she will sleep longer. Play some music or pat her back to see if she will fall back asleep.
One nap does not mean less sleep. Most toddlers need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep a day until they reach the age of three.
Tips for a smooth transition:
Adjusting your child's schedule
Try pushing his morning nap back by 15 minutes every day or two. You can also try to decrease the morning nap by 15 minutes every few days to shorten your child’s morning rest and better preserve the afternoon naptime.
Winding down
Try finding activities that are calm and help your child relax before she goes down for a nap. Establish a naptime routine of reading a book or listening to calming music. Sound machines offer soothing sounds such as beach waves or rain falling that can help signal naptime.
Things to keep in mind
Many children are fine with one-nap schedules during the week but vary on the weekends. Try to be as consistent as possible on the weekends, but let your child take an extra nap if needed.
