Nap Transitions: From 3 naps to 2 naps

Nap transitions can be tricky and moving from 3 naps to 2 naps is the first big transition that you will help your baby move through. But the good news is that the third nap is often the easiest to drop.

Usually babies will start to drop the nap around the 8 month mark. And as a child sleep consultant I recommend that you aim for a 2 nap schedule by 9 months. 

You will know that your baby is ready to drop the nap when you see that the first two naps are really coming together and are both over an hour in length. In this case your baby will likely be well rested enough to not need a catnap to get to a 6:30 pm bedtime. 

Remember that the first two naps are restorative for your baby and the third nap is simply to help them bridge the gap to bedtime. When your baby starts to drop this nap, bring bedtime slightly earlier to help them through the transition. 

Because the third nap isn’t restorative in nature, most parents do this nap on the go, in the buggy or the sling. When your baby is taking longer to fall asleep for this nap, they are usually ready to move to a 2 nap schedule.

Nap transitions are often an area that parents and caregivers struggle with. If you are looking for some assistance in this area, book a consultation below.

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