Helping Your Child Transition from Two Naps to One: A Guide for Restful Days

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.

Signs Your Child is Ready to Transition to One Nap

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:

  • Struggling with the Second Nap: Your child might start resisting their afternoon nap, taking longer to fall asleep, or skipping it altogether.
  • Longer Awake Periods: They can stay awake for extended periods without becoming overly tired or cranky.
  • Shorter or Inconsistent Naps: Their naps may become shorter, or the second nap may seem unnecessary.
  • Difficulty Falling Asleep at Night: If bedtime has become a challenge, dropping the second nap could help them settle down more easily.

How to Make the Transition

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Common Challenges During the Transition

As with any change in a child’s routine, you may encounter a few challenges:

  • Overtiredness: This is a common issue when transitioning to one nap. To combat this, move bedtime earlier and stick to a calming nap-time routine.
  • Early Morning Wakings: Some children may start waking up earlier during this transition. Keep their sleep environment dark and quiet, and help them adjust gradually to their new schedule.
  • Sleep Regression: Even if your child adapts well initially, occasional disruptions in their sleep may occur. Stay consistent with the new routine, and they’ll eventually settle back into it.

Support for Parents

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.

Close

50% Complete

Two Step

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.