Just when you and your baby have settled into the routine of 2 predictable daily naps (by 6-9 months) you realize he is starting to drop a nap. So here is everything you need to know about transitioning your toddler from two naps to one nap.
The transition from two naps to one nap is rarely something that happens instantly (just like the transition from 3 naps to 2 naps between 6 mos-9mos or from 1 nap to no naps GASP between 2 years and 4 years) and it usually occurs between 12 months and 18 months, with an average of 15 months.
Typically it's the morning nap that wants to stay around, and the afternoon nap that suffers...which is painful for mom because baby gets really cranky by late afternoon/dinner time. So you can either
- Let baby take the lead, be patient and eventually she'll get herself to a one nap schedule (it really will happen on its own), OR
- You can follow these guidelines to speed the transition to one nap
How to Transition to One Nap:
- Push back the morning nap a little bit each day (from 9am to 9:30, 10 to 10:30 etc)
- During the transition, continue to try afternoon naps. If baby won't settle in the crib for a nap, schedule in some downtime with a walk around the block in a stroller, a cruise in the car, a little TV (if you allow it). A little downtime should make late afternoons more tolerable.
- You can make bedtime a little bit earlier during the transition on days that baby takes an morning nap but not an afternoon one
- Eventually the morning nap will move towards a mid-day nap (between 12PM and 1PM) and you should expect baby to settle in for one nap that lasts anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3 hours. I think you can expect a typical 15 month old to follow this schedule.
A Peak at What's Next:
Over the course of the next year you can expect your toddler's mid day nap to move a little bit later. First 12pm-2pm, then 1PM-3PM, and then 2PM-4PM, etc.
One Final Word
If your 12-18 month old is happy taking two naps, OR if he seems to be transitioning but doesn't feel bothered by the change in schedule, there is no need to force a one nap schedule on him.
Reasons you might want to "encourage" the one nap is if baby seems crankier during the natural transition to one nap or you think he is ready for one nap and it would be easier for your schedule.