The Transition from Two Naps to One: How to Do It Smoothly

The transition from two to one nap can be a difficult transition for young children, and is often a source of concern for parents. Most parents have experienced their child dropping the second nap sometime between 12 and 18 months, when transitioning from two naps to one. However, just because your little one can get by on only one nap does not mean the transition should be rushed. Like most transitions, it is important to implement the change gradually to reduce stress on your child.

When beginning the transition, it is important to create a consistent routine for your child. A “morning nap” schedule works best for most kids, with the morning nap occurring around 9 or 10 am, and the afternoon nap typically dropping around 2 or 3 pm. Bedtime should not be affected during the transition allowing your child to stick to their usual routine and sleep schedule.

Parenting during the transition may require more patience and understanding from parents. Your child may be especially sensitive and cranky during the transition, so it is important to remain mindful of their feelings and provide extra reassurance and comfort when possible. Additionally, having activities ready to keep your little one entertained, while allowing them to rest during the transition can be beneficial.

Start Dropping One Nap at a Time

Once you have established a consistent daily routine, you can start dropping one nap at a time by simply removing it from the schedule. Be mindful to remain consistent and see how your child responds to having only one nap a day, and make any necessary adjustments. For example, if your child appears exhausted after the morning nap, you may want to consider pushing the nap a bit later, allowing them to stay up until lunchtime.

Dropping a nap will likely cause your child to be over tired and exhausted, which can be a difficult experience for both parent and child. Offering snacks, extra cuddles, books or low energy activities such as coloring can help ease the transition and make the experience less stressful.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Just like most things in parenting, transitioning from two naps to one is all about trial and error. If your transition is not going as planned, don’t be afraid to switch back to two naps for a short while. Similarly, if your child is transitioning well and appears to have adapted to the one nap schedule, don’t be afraid to keep them on one nap for a better part of the day. Remember, the ultimate dream is for your little one to take one long restful nap so hang in there while you make needed adjustments.

Although the transition may be a bit rocky at first, it is ultimately beneficial, as most kids will move out of the toddler phase of napping and take one extended nap in the afternoon. This one nap schedule also works better for most preschools and kindergartens. As you and your child go through the transition process, keep this long-term goal in mind and be patient.

At the end of the day, be sure to remain consistent and provide your child with extra warmth and support throughout the transition. As long as you practice patience during this phase, it can be a smooth transition for you and your little one.

Activities For During the Transition

• Reading books
• Low energy activities such as coloring
• Crossword or word puzzles
• Playing music
• Extended nursing or cuddle time

Conclusion

Transitioning from two naps to one can be tough and often requires patience and adjustments from both parents and children. However, following the steps outlined above, providing extra comfort and reassurance, and creating an activities list to keep your child amused can make the transition smoother. With a little extra effort and understanding, the two-nap-to-one transition can be a painless experience.