As your child grows, their sleep patterns naturally change. One significant milestone many parents encounter is the transition from two naps to one. This change can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can help your little one adjust while maintaining healthy sleep habits.
In this post, we’ll explore the signs your child is ready for this transition, how to manage it smoothly, and how to ensure your child continues to get the restorative sleep they need.
Typically, the shift from two naps to one happens between 12 to 18 months, but every child is unique. Here are some key signs that indicate your child may be ready for this change:
Once you notice the signs, it’s important to make the shift gradually to avoid overwhelming your child. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help ease them into their new nap routine:
Gradually Push the Morning Nap Later: Start by delaying the morning nap by 15-30 minutes every few days. The goal is to shift it closer to midday, eventually making it the only nap of the day.
Offer an Early Bedtime: During the transition, your child might get tired earlier in the evening. An earlier bedtime can prevent overtiredness, which often leads to night wakings.
Provide Calm and Quiet Time: It's normal for your child to feel tired during what used to be their second nap time. Offer quiet activities, like reading or playing with soft toys, to give them a chance to rest without fully falling asleep.
Monitor Their Sleep Needs: Keep track of your child’s overall sleep. Toddlers typically need 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, so adjust their bedtime as needed to ensure they’re getting enough rest.
As with any change in a child’s routine, you may encounter a few challenges:
Navigating the transition from two naps to one can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Nurture 2 Sleep, we offer support through our Exclusive Membership, where you can access live Q&A sessions, expert advice, and a community of like-minded parents.
Our membership gives you access to expert guidance from Julie Mallon and live Q&A sessions every Friday at 10:00 AM (Dubai time), all for just 100 AED. Sign up today to receive personalised support as you help your child achieve healthy, restful sleep.
50% Complete
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.