When to Transition Your Child from Two Naps to One

Most babies and young toddlers are used to getting two naps in a day. The two naps allow children to get the sleep they need without being too tired throughout the day. But as children reach about 18 months of age, it’s time to start transitioning them from two naps to one.

The transition period can be a tricky one. If your child is not prepared for the gradual change, they can become very overtired, leading to greater emotional intensity and difficulty sleeping at night. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the timing and techniques that will successfully move your toddler from two naps to one.

With the right information, you can ensure a smooth transition from two naps to one for your little one. Read on to find out the best tips on when and how to transition your child.

Understand Signs of When Your Toddler is Ready

One of the most important things is to understand when your toddler is actually ready to transition from two naps to one. A good sign that they are ready is if they are pushing past the 13-15 hour mark of awake time. If your toddler is consistently waking at around 6am, and is still napping twice until 4pm, then they may be nearing the 18-month mark and ready to make the switch.

Another sign is if your child is tired too early in the afternoon for their second nap. This is a sign that they are still too sleepy for one long nap in the afternoon and need two shorter naps.

Try a Gradual Transition

Rather than abruptly trying to switch your toddler to one nap, it’s best to do so gradually. This will give your toddler the chance to adjust to the new routine, while also ensuring they get enough sleep.

To start, just postpone their morning nap by fifteen to twenty minutes each day. Once you get to the point that your toddler is not having a morning nap, replace the second afternoon nap with a short quiet time. This will allow your child to have some time to rest without their nap.

You can also extend the afternoon nap to up to two and half, rather than two hours, while you make the transition.

How to Support Your Child During the Transition

At first, your child may seem a little discontent with this change, so it’s important to provide some supportive measures. These may include:

• Offer a comfortable sleeping environment and wind-down routine.
• Ensure your child is getting enough sleep at night.
• Provide a healthy diet with enough calories.
• Keep your child engaged in activities.
• Give your child some extra love and reassurance.

Conclusion

Transitioning from two naps to one is a natural part of your child’s development that requires careful consideration. With the right tips and understanding, you can make sure your toddler’s transition is a smooth one.